By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda
“Monster” Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs), 121.75, impressively collected the four championship belts as he, WBC, WBO titleholder, finally caught up with WBA, IBF ruler Marlon Tapales (37-4, 19 KOs), 121.5, and dropped him with a devastating right for the count at 1:02 of the tenth round on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan.
Inoue, in round four, floored Tapales with a solid combination of a left-right followed by a vicious left hook, and we thought it would be a matter of time for the Monster to finish it soon. But Tapales survived and displayed his gameness and durability to make it a longer fight than expected.
The tenth, however, witnessed Naoya turn loose and connect a direct strong right without a left lead, which had Tapales reeling backward and down with the ropes behind him. The Filipino southpaw was unable to beat the count.
The undisputed champ Naoya said, “I appreciate Tapales having accepted this ultimate unification bout. He was courageous and durable. But he finally collapsed with his accumulation of punishment. I’ll fight next in May.” It fully entertained the packed-house crowd at Ariake Arena, who looked very much satisfied with Inoue’s complete coronation in just five months since his last victory over the then WBC, WBO titlist Stephen Fulton.
Promoter: Ohashi Promotions.
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Go for 3rd undisputed!
Hope not. He is perfect at this weight right now. I would rather see him defend his title 20 times, as long as the weight is perfect.
Sorry Holt ,I have to disagree with you. Monster only has to put on 4 pound…..that’s an American burger lol.
Seriously 4 pound is nothing. Fulton has already moved up and ranked. I seriously think Monster could be 3 time undisputed champion
The Monster does it again
Tapales showed good heart
Graceful is his win and gave credit to Tapales who will have success again for sure
Congratulations to the great Champion Inoue is
ESPN + commentators saying that Tapales did good. I think he did better than Fulton but not good over all. All he did is get a few shots. When he stopped using the high guard all he was doing is getting a few jabs in, but Inoue would return the favor every time. Inoue is the best P4P in my opinion.
Disagree…Luis…this was a good fight…Tapales was tough …giving Inoue a tough fight …this was some good stuff…Inoue took some shots…Tapales was effective with that “catch and shoot” style, but that deadly pinpoint accuracy from Inoue as usual…that efficient effective punching….mixture of punches ..wore Tapales down…but Tapales was game and dog “ish” tough after an early knock down …Congrats to both for being professional…..overall quality programming…
I get you Sean. One would think Fulton is great but than we see Tapales and he did way better. I understand your point. But think about this, Nonito Donaire did better than anyone vs Inoue. Also think of the result. It ended in KO, no a TKO. Inoue ran over Tapales in devastating fashion. I learned something about Tapales, though, he’s tough as nail and is a great fighter. I would like to see Tapales vs Fulton.
Luis…first time we actually saw Inoue deal with pressure…Tapales stayed on the inside and tight… applying pressure…countering effectively..with that high guard..hitting Inoue with solid short hooks and very effective body shots… actually saw Inoue get on that bicycle after a few body shots…good stuff…but damn the Monster…in relentless fashion…never…never stopped punching…punch combos just beautiful…rarely one punch…rapid combos..everything fast …short or extended …short with snap….that straight right down the pipe was beautiful….this is a fight to study..Inoue did get exposed just a little…stay on the inside and counter…BUT Inoue didn’t blink sooo confident…poised …just must see….fun to watch…good take Luis
I agree with you
Tapales was stopped and that says everything
I agree with you Luis this was not even a close fight
I still have him as 2 in my P4P!! As of right now, I still believe Crawford is more dominant, versatile and more well rounded! While Inoue was exceptional, he got hit way more than Crawford vs Spence! Great fighter though!!!!!
There is not much more to say than that I am impressed but still not surprised.
It’s not just that he wins the fights but how he wins.
One of the biggest in the sport today who is constantly looking for new challenges and is not satisfied with the small.
Greatest respect for that.
Hats off and a big congratulations.
Fighter of the Year. Hands down.
He will win more divisions than Pacman. He will be undisputed in more divisions. Never dodges anybody which is the Japanese culture. He is a deadset Samurai.
P4P GOAT.
4 divisions more to tie Pac,
theres a Tank if he moves up.. hehe
What about if you tell tank to move down to 122 to fight Inoue ???? Hehe
If tank moves down to 122 and monster will win, monster will still 4 division champ, he will not break Pac 8div, hehe
I did not say Inoue will surpass pacman I just try to be sarcastic for people who what to see Inoue vs tank
You reply to the thread (by Maz) that inoue will surpass pac.
I had Crawford and Inoue for a fighter of the year but Inoue fought again and beat tapales and this victory could give him the award of fighter of the year
In an unrelated note, on an early post, you made the connection with muscles = power.
I mentioned Mexican fighters making easy for you to relate (Chavez sr. Zamora, Zarate). Also, I can add non Mexican i.e. Inoue, Crawford, & Valero, fighters with normal physiques and yet devastating KOs power.
Yea I’m still form in my opinion if you build muscle you get better
Inoue lift weight actually
One thing is to exercise with weights and another is to lift weights.
We are entitled to our opinions, the line that divides reality vs fiction is a wide one, cheers.
Build muscle I’m talking about build muscle
In boxing… depends on what type of muscle or “strength” …if you build a strong core…strengthen your core muscles of over all body strength,…you can have devastating power….Ever watch George Foreman pull a jeep or Marvin Hagler train… strengthening that core ….a strong core with technique…equals power.cbine that with speed..so muscle has plenty to do with power…not muscle mass but strength… overall body strength…core
Bob Foster
Thomas Hearns
And I’m still firm on what I said because I know I’m right
Not because you mention boxers without muscle it means you are right
And I will repeat it here
As a sport player if you build more muscle is even better
It helps you to become faster , stronger and avoid injuries
So I don’t understand your point between muscle and Inoue victory lol
There is a point that ignoring is the best and only option.
You can continue to live in la, la, la land
There can always be 2 fighter of the Year awards. I think it happened in 1983 with Salvador Sanchez and Marvin Hagler. Seeing Bud and Monster get it wouldn’t be bad as they both locked their divisions down and became undisputed in 2 weight divisions with their perspective wins.
On second thought, I’m calling it now. Both In our and Crawford will get the fighter of the year award.
really?
how about fighting casimero?
who? is he a champion? if not then why?
Casimero has timing with a lions heart, if Donaire in his prime emhe might be fu- k up
Should be sitting on top of the pound for pound list, thats how you unify a division in 2 fights. No pussy footing around, just take on the champs straight up
Inoue probably needed this type of fight to prepare him for future fights with top fighters. They can’t all be blowouts and Tapales was tough and smart to make adjustments after he got dropped in the 4th. He presented his right shoulder to Inoue making landing with the jab and right hand more difficult. Inoue had to throw long punches to land the right, but started doubling the right hand and landing usually with the second right. He landed some hellacious body shots but Tapales took them well and kept fighting. He was trying to tempt Tapales to fight more aggressively but Tapales was careful not to move in blindly and neglect his defense.
Tapales got his licks in but Inoue just dominated in almost every round by landing accurate rights through the tight guard. Tapales’ face was really marked up after the fight but Inoue looked fresh as a daisy afterwards. He did take some solid body and head shots but just shook them off and took care of business.
Great effort by Tapales but he was headed for a decision loss when the ending in the 10th came suddenly. The right hand was to the temple and took the fight out of Marlon. Great victory for Inoue and on to bigger and better challenges.
Inoue cant help the other fighters skill he didnt fight him for that he fought him for the other 2 belts he had which made him Undisputed
NO WORDS TO SAY !!!!!!
Inoue is just a fkn monster
This guy is just unbelievable
Monster is human, his face has been beat up before Doinare-1.
We’re witnessing greatness in the making with Inoue, and I really appreciate watching him fight. The intensity, focus, precision, and power he brings, is what this Sweet Science is all about. Great fight and achievement by Inoue to end the year.
Patience..calm..while dealing with pressure… adversity….
I think Inoue controlled the rounds and thus the fight.
Was a little surprised that Inoue’s right hand was as active as it was during the fight. Not least against the body.
But I also think Inoue is a bit open to counter attacks when he lands his punches although his speed partially makes up for that.
It’s easy for me to say, but Tapales was quite passive during parts of the fight. Thought it became more even when he was more active, but at the same time, understand the feeling that he must have felt exposed on those occasions.
Because he was.
I can hardly give Tapales a singel round.
Inoue executed the fight well. He was simply too good.
Inoue started fighting at 105 lbs then moved to fight and ko a very strong 122 fighter
This is really impressive
Goat
Inoue truly is “monster.” I want to see him move up again and unify. I hope he eventually campaigns at 135 lbs. Things would get darn interesting. I think people still underestimate him but he’s “the real deal Holyfield.” Tank vs Inoue would be huge. I’m a Tank fan but I’m objective and I think he finds a way to talk himself out of an Inoue showdown just like he’s doing with Haney. Tanks has no interests in 50/50 fights. Stevenson has done nothing at 135 but prices himself out. Lomachenko is cagey. Sometimes he’s up for the challenge and other times he turns down fights. It would be interesting to see if they’d fight Inoue or continue to dodge each other.
Inoue will t be able to make 135 lbs
He can do 126 lbs at the most
Inoue will not be able to make 135 lbs
He can do 126 lbs at the most
Is like tell tank Davis to move 160 lbs
He can’t
Inoue (5’5″) and Pacman (5’51/2″) are almost the same height.
With proper diet, training, and conditioning coach the sky is the limit
Men they have different chassis type.. hahaha, your trying to say, inoue can beat pac since they almost same same at higher weight class.. wow
seriously?
Pacquiao and Inoue have similar builds and heights. If one can do it, the other one has the chances.
In no term whatsoever I said that Inoue can beat Pac. Are you out of intelligent and constructive exchanges that you resort to twisting and saying what was not said?
Who told you the height gives the weight ???
Celestino caballero is 5’11” 122 lbs
David tua is 5’10” 225 lbs
Tell caballero to move to 225 lbs
And tell tua to move down to 122 lbs
Lmao
Let me spell it to you, similar heights, & builds mean that what one achieved the other one can also achieve.
In your post you forgot to include Fundora, Paul Williams etc.
Even the great Pac offered to train Inoue so he can adjust to higher weights and continue to be effective.
So you are actually telling me that you know more than Pac?
What a sad day with a fan, who wants to post anything and everything…
No no no there are 10 guys same height diferent weight
It’s about body frame and metabolism it’s not about height
Tell Sebastian fundora to move to 260 lbs and fight Tyson fury
Lol
You are making unrealistic comparisons to make your point.
One thing is to say fighter A has similar height, frame, and build than fighter B, therefore, there is a chance he csn fight in similar weight classes as fighter B. Also fighter B offered to train fighter A.
Another is to compare fighter with similar height but very different builds
I am not trying to make this a 20 posts with someone who long ago lost the ability to consider a different point of view.
Cheers
These arguments make no sense at all. Why is David Tua in this? Manny and Inoue are literally the same size and same build. Manny was an 8 division champion. Both have similar traits of speed and power. lnoue can comfortably make 135.
Haha.. like 5’10’’, oscar vs tyson in heavyweight in their primes
I know, some ppl posts nonsense to try to make a point.
I disagree. Manny Pacquiao is listed at 5’5 / 5’6 and destroyed Margarito at a catchweight for the 154lbs title who much larger. He won titles in 8 weight classes and you believe Inoue who is the virtually the same size and same result of destroying his opponent is too small? I don’t get that. The great Pernell Whitaker listed at 5’6 made his larger counterparts include Julio Ceasar Chavez look silly. Tank Davis is shorter than Inoue so equating Inoue to go to 135 is nothing like asking Tank to go to 160. I believe Ineou has the goods too threaten everyone at 135. If you don’t believe that then believe his equalizer. When Ineou lands flush they tend to fall down.
Why is anyone even talking about Inoue fighting at lightweight? He has already stated that he plans to stay at Jr. Featherweight for another year and clean out this division. Then eventually move to Featherweight. By the time he should do that, then Jr. Lightweight, none of the current lightweights will even still be there.
Nery, Goodman, Akhmadaliev, and Casimero are all excellent fights to hold our interest now.
If Inoue stays long enough at 122, an all-Japanese event could happen when Junto Nakatani moves to 122.
that would be an interesting match, somehow I think Inoue will go for glory and jump to 126 lbs to be the 1st male boxer of the 4 belts era to be undisputed in 3 diff weight classes.
Obviously because we anticipate he will clean out feather and super feather. So Tank will suddenly go to 140 where he has to take a risk before Ineou gets there? I don’t think so. Steven just got to 135, I certainly don’t see him going to 140 or 147 anytime soon. At the rate Inoue is cleaning house they’ll be there when he gets there.
We agree if Manny did it, Naoya can do it as well.
I dont think Tank will go anytime soon to 140 lbs.
No no no nooooooo
Not because many moved from 108 to 147 the whole world will be able to fo it
In that case tell Mike Tyson to moved to 147 lbs and fight against Vergil Ortiz
They are the same height
5’10”
Lol
Exactly but there are some ridiculous people who want to see Inoue vs tank Davis
With this victory Inoue is the number one in my personal pxp list
1 Inoue
2 Crawford
3 usyk
4 canelo
5 fury
6 tank
7 bivol
8 betterbiev
9 Haney
10 Teófimo
There’s some great fighters on that list, but Teofimo Lopez doesn’t belong in that company.
Naoya should take Featherweight territory. No fighters can defeat at 122 lbs for now.
122 is a tougher division. If he moved up he would be accused of running from Casamerio and Nery
Inoue affair of casimero and nery ??? Lmao
lol no he wouldnt both Casimero and Nery have been KOd by lesser power punching opponents neither of them want to be another victim of the Monsters
Well if Inoue don’t feel good to move to feather you can’t blame on him
Not because nobody can beat him up he will have to move to feather
For me, this makes him the best small fighter of all time. I don’t think there’s ever been a guy who primed below featherweight who I’d pick clean over Inoue.
I think he’ll do just fine at featherweight eventually, but I say that’s his max and it’ll probably be at the tail end of his prime. People suggesting that he fight Tank (or any other top lightweight) at 135 are going crazy.
I’m suggesting a Tank vs Inoue fight so what makes it “crazy?” Manny is an 8 division champion so why is Inoue moving up in weight such a “crazy” thing? I think this man has the goods.
HawnJay, maybe because he still has 3 other weight divisions to go before he gets to 140 if he even does. Let him do his work where he’s at, if he gets there and tank’s there then we’ll see.
Now he just moved up to 122 and we’re already shuffling him off not to 126 or 130, but to 135 to fight a guy who’s fought at and stopped a credible guy at 140? Why? Because Manny Pacquiao did it?? Good for Manny, what does that have to do with Inoue? Everyone’s legacy is their own, he doesn’t have to start comically jumping around divisions just because someone else did it.
I got one for you. Amanda Serrano once won a title at 140 and then in her next fight, she dropped down to junior bantamweight. Maybe Devin Haney should fight Gallo Estrada next?
Tank should move down to 122, or is he scared? Weights move both ways.
Then tell tank to move 168 to fight canelo then
Those last two right hands were power punches on a tight guard and were partially blocked, yet the impact was still enough to stop Tapales. Amazing power for that weight class.
Another wonderful performance by the Monster. I have no problems watching Monster/Nery or Monster/Goodman.
No need for 135 because 122, 126 and/or maybe 130 will keep the Monster busy until it is time to enter the HOF.
Good rounds 5, 8, and 9 for Marlon.
He adjusted with the should roll, and body attacks unfortunately Inoue adjusted as well.
Inoue does get hit.
Good performance for Inoue and Marlon and excellent execution from Inoue
Good rounds 5, 8, and 9 for Marlon.
He adjusted well with the shoulder roll, and body attacks unfortunately Inoue adjusted as well.
Inoue does get hit.
Good performance for Inoue and Marlon and excellent execution from Inoue.
I wonder what Nonito did to be competitive in the Nonito vs. Naoya I?, and what happened in the Nonito vs Naoya II? did Nonito aged? or it was a brilliant adaptation of the Monster
Because every fight is diferent even with the same boxers
Tai, probably both.
I think so too, Naoya will do more in boxing
Legend in the making!
The Monster is truly a “MONSTER” I mean he hits so hard and he is so crafty and talented. Tapales did his best but no way was it enough as the Monster Inoue took his time picked him apart, piled up points and then knocked him out.
Monster is this era’s manny Pacquiao.
Inoue is something special.
Tapales gloves gave me the impression he had a watermelon slice in each hand, didn’t work, what a brick instead?
Tapales got skills!!! If Monster didn’t come up there he definitely would’ve been undisputed.
Fulton, Nery, and Casamerio have skills too. I think Fulton is the 2nd best in the division tbh. His style couldn’t compete with Inoue though.
And who told you the height give you the weight???
Calestino caballero is 5’11”
David tua is 5’10”
Tell caballero to move 220 lbs
And tell tua to move to 122 lbs
Lol
Do you have to post everything 2 or 3 times and reply to your reply?
Easy…
I don’t believe your brain did not tell you :
“”” it was the keyboard
You cannot make your point with eloquent and convincing posts, so you resort to insults, very pathetic, and sad.
cheers, I wasted my time…
Casimero in 2!
Yea casimero will fall down in 2 rounds
you think the 4 loss and guy whos been KOd with a KO ratio of 66% is going to stop the Monster?
Inoue himself said he won’t go over 126 lbs , stop with that Tank nonsense
Very good fight. I believe inoue when he says he could not take a tune up fight. I noticed that he seemed to let tapales in and fight only to drive him harder to beat him. It’s almost as if he needs to get hit to open up on his opponent. Tapales landed some good shots just couldn’t put it all together. The monster nickname fits him to a T. Great fight.
P4P #1, accomplishments at record pace. Inoue is actually someone who does press himself to new challenges. No ducking, no cherry-picking, no catchweights, just take on whatever is put in front of him and take care of business.
As for the fight goes, Tapales never neutralized the straight right. He gave away foot position and moved towards Monster’s right all night. Although, Tapales pressed at times, Inoue would flurry with speed and power. Aside from the occasional snappy jab, Tapales punches weren’t really hurting Inoue, just not enough power behind Tapales punches. Tapales was durable but after the knock down in the 4th it was clear Inoue would get the KO. Entertaining fight!
Marlon uppercuts were also connecting Inoue.
Naoya is truly a gifted fighter, I would love to see fight more in the USA.
Inuoe is a little beast.
But any talk of him vs tank ridiculous. Tank walks around at 160-170. Tank is the definition of a weight bully.
Inoue at best walks around at 130.
They will never fight. Stupid az suggestion in the first place.
Hey Steve,
Just my opinion. Tank has only one fight at 140, he did not want to fight Ryan Garcia at 140. He fought Ryan at 135 and with some weight clauses for Ryan.
Maybe and maybe Tank thinks he is too small for a 140lb, so that being said, he may stay longer at 135 lbs.
Depending on what Naoya wants and how rapidly his body can adjust to the higher weights, but with proper diet, and conditioning. anything is possible
I dont think, it is far fetched. Naturally, it wont happen any time soon.
I remember when Oscar DLH was going to fight Pacquiao, and the consensus by the so called experts and fans were: Oscar was too big, he was going to destroy Pacman, and we do know what happened.
just my two Misérables cents
Never gonna happen. Better chance of having tank come down to 126, which he can’t make if he went on a crack fiend diet.
Tank is a tweener weight bully. He can’t win at 140 but can hardly make 135.
So you people are hoping a 126lber jumps two weight divisions. Lmao.
This guy is the face of boxing, his activity and openness to fight all comers is something other fighters in all the other weight divisions should take note of
All these long lay offs, cherry picking fights, promoters ruining the fights everyone wants to see, take a leaf out of this guys book and fight literally anyone who is put in front of him
Could easily move up another weight division and clean it out
Love the monster
What a surprise ! it was my prediction; Inoue by TKO in the championship rounds..
I believe Manny was 26 when he moved up to 126. Monster is 30. So he is behind schedule to hit the 8 titles. Anything is possible with correct matchups but I don’t see it. Manny is 1 in a million and was already short for the weight classes. Claiming Monster is almost the same size but still smaller so even more of an extreme for the upper weight classes. He won’t be able to do 147 or 154 the weights that Manny hit. But sure he could be matched correctly and beat certain guys at 26, 30, 35 and 40 to get the 8 titles. But I don’t see being undisputed at the last 3.