Undisputed Super-Bantamweight Champion Naoya Inoue Survives First Knockdown to Defeat Luis Nery in Tokyo
Tokyo, May 6, 2024 – In a thrilling bout at the Tokyo Dome, Japan, pound-for-pound king Naoya “The Monster” Inoue survived the first knockdown of his professional career to retain his undisputed super-bantamweight championship with a sixth-round knockout over former two-weight world champion Luis Nery.
The 31-year-old Inoue, known for his devastating punching power, was caught off guard in the opening round by a sharp left hook from Nery, which sent him to the canvas for the first time in his 27-0 (24 KOs) career. However, the resilient champion quickly regained his composure and roared back in the second round, dropping Nery with a hard left hand of his own.
The fight remained competitive, with both fighters showcasing their skills and power. Inoue, growing in confidence, even took a moment to showboat, beckoning Nery to come forward. This confidence paid off in the fifth round when a second knockdown of Nery followed.
“Despite reaching the safety of the bell, Nery’s luck ran out in the sixth round as a savage right hand from Inoue sent him crashing through the ropes, ending the contest.”
The victory marked Inoue’s 24th career knockout and solidified his status as one of the finest boxers in the world. With this win, Inoue remains the undisputed super-bantamweight champion and the second male fighter in history, after American Terence Crawford, to be an undisputed champion at two weight divisions in the four-belt era. His undefeated record now stands at an impressive 27-0.
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