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On Tuesday, Stephen Fulton will put his WBC/ WBO junior featherweight titles on the road towards pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue on the Ariake Enviornment, Tokyo, Japan.
The eagerly anticipated showdown shall be broadcast dwell on ESPN starting at 4.30 a.m. ET/ 1:30 a.m. PT. and on Sky Sports activities at 9:30 a.m.
Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs), The Ring’s No. 1-rated junior featherweight, labored his method into title competition by besting former titleholder Paulus Ambunda (UD 12), stopped beforehand unbeaten Mexican Isaac Avelar (KO 6) and used his expertise to tame one other unbeaten opponent in Arnold Khegai (UD 12).
The not too long ago turned 29-year-old showcased his clean boxing expertise to beat Angelo Leo (UD 12) to say the WBO title, and he confirmed grit by digging in deep when he added the WBC title by edging Brandon Figueroa (MD 12) in a hard-fought unification bout. Most not too long ago, he sparkled towards Daniel Roman (UD 12).
Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs), No. 2 in The Ring’s pound-for-pound rankings, devoured all earlier than him en path to claiming world titles at 108, 115 and 118 kilos. The massive punching Japanese “Monster” has lived as much as his moniker, demolishing the likes of Omar Narvaez (KO 2), Jamie McDonnell (TKO 1), Juan Carlos Payano (KO 1) and Emmanuel Rodriguez (KO 2).
Nevertheless, it’s his triumphs over four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire that offered Inoue with appreciable acclaim. He edged Donaire (UD 12) right away traditional that was later named Battle of the 12 months and stopped him within the second spherical of their rematch. The 30-year-old turned the undisputed bantamweight champion when he dominated Paul Butler, stopping the Brit in 11 one-sided rounds. With nothing left to beat at 118, Inoue determined to maneuver up in weight in a bid to gather extra {hardware} and accolades.
Thus far, Inoue’s (24-0, 21 knockouts) energy has decimated his opponents, will it carry as much as 122-pounds? Will Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs) present any indicators of ring rust having not fought for 13-month? Inoue has by no means confronted an elite African-American who can field and transfer fairly like Fulton. How will he discover that? The American is preventing outdoors his house nation for the primary time, will that play an element?
On-line playing group William Hill lists Inoue as an 2/7 (-350) favourite, whereas Fulton is priced at 11/4 (+275) the draw is 14/1 (+1400).
Right here’s how the consultants see it:
THE RING
DOUG FISCHER: INOUE TKO
“This matchup is nearly as good as boxing will get. Inoue, who cracked The Ring rankings in his fourth professional bout as a junior flyweight virtually 10 years in the past, has the look of a generational expertise. Fulton is the person at junior featherweight. Each are full, athletic fighters who’re used to difficult themselves (that’s why the battle is going on). Whoever can dictate the tempo and distance may have the sting on this one, and we are able to count on an entertaining duel of pace, energy jabs, counter punches, and selection physique photographs. I believe Fulton’s measurement, expertise and magnificence will pose a number of issues for Inoue, who’s making his 122-pound debut. I can see a path to a choice victory if the Philly fighter can stick-and-move with authority with out getting pulled into prolonged exchanges, however the extra possible state of affairs is Inoue clipping Fulton sooner or later between the center and late rounds. Fulton likes to go to the physique with each palms and he does so in a method that leaves his head uncovered. He’s received good higher physique motion, however he additionally has a behavior of leaving his palms down. I believe Fulton may have his moments, however I count on Inoue to be at his motivated greatest and my hunch is that he’ll damage Fulton to the physique and end the American standout with head photographs someday after the eighth spherical.”
ANSON WAINWRIGHT: INOUE UD
“Each fighters must be lauded for taking such a dangerous battle. Inoue may simply have taken a lesser opponent and settled into the brand new division, whereas Fulton went out of his method to safe this battle. The Philadelphia native had been linked with a return battle with Brandon Figueroa up at featherweight however finally determined he needed to face Inoue and was glad to take his two titles to Japan to take action, which shall be a giant problem. The battle may be very intriguing, it would see each males face their largest problem thus far. Fulton’s hardest check got here towards Figueroa, an all-action punching machine, and the American was in a position to cross the examination. Inoue’s most tough night time got here when he received wobbled and battled via a fractured proper eye-socket to beat Donaire. Each these wins had been every fighters proving floor however they’ll be required to step up once more to win this battle. It is going to mark the primary time Inoue has fought an elite African-American opponent, who will current him with issues together with his fast palms and toes, actually greater than he may have confronted up to now in his profession. Nevertheless, it would even be an enormous leap into the unknown for Fulton, whereas he was in a position to maintain off Figueroa, Inoue is a way more polished fighter who has elite expertise of his personal and can sorely check Fulton. I really feel preventing at house shall be a giant assist for Inoue, who I believe may have issues with Fulton’s model however all the time simply be a step forward and win a hard-fought 12-round unanimous resolution 116-112.”
LEE GROVES: INOUE KO 11
“Boxing actually has its faults, nevertheless it’s fights akin to Inoue-Fulton that illustrate what the game could be if the proper fights could be made typically sufficient. This can characteristic a lovely distinction of types between two tough-as-nails rivals able to producing excessive work price, glorious accuracy and above-average protection. Though it will mark Inoue’s debut at 122, he shall be preventing at house towards an opponent with a low KO share (.381) and who might want to field on the retreat so as to give himself the perfect likelihood to win — a tricky method to impress the judges basically, however even more durable when preventing in a high-end challenger’s house nation. Fulton may have his moments, however I consider Inoue’s aggression, physique punching and method will ultimately put on down the American and rating the late-round TKO.”
DIEGO MORILLA: INOUE PTS
“It’s actually tough to ascertain a once-in-a-generation expertise like Inoue being lower than one hundred pc for this homecoming battle towards an excellent expertise like Fulton. Individuals learn an excessive amount of on that Donaire battle and the way susceptible Inoue checked out instances, however that was extra a advantage of a legend like Donaire than a scarcity of preparation or focus by Inoue. I do count on a extra difficult-than-usual problem for The Monster, however he will certainly prevail by a snug margin or a late stoppage.”
MARTY MULCAHEY: INOUE PTS
“A unbelievable battle which, sadly, shall be remembered extra in historic significance than the present hype round it because it airs on a Tuesday in Japan. On paper Stephen Fulton holds benefits in age, measurement, pure weight class, and possibly energy, which isn’t to be mistaken for energy. There, it’s Naoya Inoue who has the sting given his devastating fusion of steadiness, pace, method, and punching energy. Which package deal wins out comes right down to poise on this strain state of affairs, and I belief the extra examined Inoue on his house turf. The battle goes the gap, with Fulton battling again within the center rounds, however finally unable to cease the extra exact punching of Inoue within the championship rounds. I may even see a knockdown in favor of Inoue sealing a win that appears extra comfy on the scorecards than it was. Irrespective of who wins, the loser will solely be negatively impacted by the Twitter trolls who scream “uncovered” for a brief interval… however absolutely praised in historic phrases down the road.”
NORM FRAUENHEIM: INOUE UD
“He’s 5-foot-5, a bit man, however his stature has by no means been greater in each the worldwide pound-for-pound debate and Japanese recognition polls. That ascent figures to proceed towards Stephen Fulton, who has traveled a protracted method to tackle what can solely be known as a longshot try at beating Inoue in entrance of adoring countrymen, who not too long ago voted him as Japan’s fourth hottest athlete in a ballot carried out by The Sasakawa Sports activities Basis. Inoue shouldn’t be Ohtani, Japan’s Babe Ruth. However he’s within the ballpark. Fulton has the expertise. He has two of the belts, too. He’s confirmed at junior featherweight. In Japan, nevertheless, he seems to be solely a stepping stone for Inoue, a three-division champion who’s making his 122-pound debut. The slick Fulton could also be elusive sufficient to take it to the scorecards. However Inoue’s dynamic mixture of energy and precision shall be an excessive amount of, particularly within the late rounds.”
RON BORGES: INOUE TKO
“Stephen Fulton has boxed his method to claiming each the WBC and WBO tremendous bantamweight titles and has a spotless 21-0 file however none of that can assist him on July 25 when he defends these titles towards “challenger” Naoya Inoue in Tokyo. It speaks to Inoue’s drawing energy that the battle is within the “challenger’s” nation not the US and that energy comes from what shall be Fulton’s largest downside – Inoue’s crushing punching energy. Some have argued that Inoue is at some danger as a result of he’s shifting up in weight for the fifth time after successful world titles from gentle flyweight to bantamweight over the previous three years. This shall be his first battle at 122 kilos however there was little indication that the rise in weight has sapped his punching energy in any vital method. Fulton is a positive boxer who will give Inoue issues initially however ultimately the mind-numbing energy of Inoue, energy that has led him to 21 knockout victories in 24 fights, will take its toll, first sporting Fulton down and ultimately knocking him down. Preventing midway all over the world from house will solely improve the difficulties Fulton shall be compelled to try to overcome. When it’s all mentioned and executed, Inoue will cease Fulton someplace within the latter third of the battle. If not sooner.”
Inoue ultimately minimize the ring off on the elusive Paul Butler. Picture by Naoki Fukuda
BOXING INSIDERS
DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): FULTON MD
“This battle certainly will meet all the expectations of the battle recreation, all of the discuss and a focus is commanded by Inoue given the very fact this battle is in his yard. With a massively spectacular file. The query must be can the monster be tamed? Fulton, the naturally greater man at 122-pounds, for me, is favorite to win this unified battle. Inoue’s energy can solely take him up to now, his commerce mark bodyshots shall be blocked, slipped or parried away, we’re speaking ranges. So far Inoue has dominated his opponents with popularity and backing up his boast. The issue is the slick punching elegant Fulton seems to have the reply he’s not a giant puncher however extra of an excellent all- rounder with a superb chin and an excellent engine. Inoue shall be compelled to battle at a really uncomfortable tempo and can get outboxed, Fulton received’t be intimidated by Inoue’s popularity and wins by majority resolution.”
SERGIO MORA (FORMER JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER/ COMMENTATOR): INOUE KO
“Nice match up that I simply don’t see going the gap. Fulton is unimaginable boxer puncher, however Inoue is a pound-for-pound nice! His energy and pace are particular. I see Fulton making a battle however not having the ability battle off Inoue for 12-rounds. Inoue by KO.”
SAM GOODMAN (JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER): INOUE
“I believe Fulton’s greatest likelihood is to make Inoue really feel his energy and use his measurement on him. I believe it’s a protracted night time for Fulton. I believe Inoue wins by knockout within the later rounds or by resolution.”
TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): INOUE TKO 10
“Regardless of the chances favouring Inoue, this must be a extremely aggressive battle. Fulton presents issues that Inoue has hardly ever if ever encountered. The American is a pure 122-pounder, he’s identified for his defensive prowess, and he’s arguably the perfect pure boxer that Inoue will ever have shared a hoop with. The champ has by no means been down as knowledgeable and his tactical know-how ought to hold him out of hazard within the early rounds. However 12-rounds is a very long time. If Fulton is having success off the backfoot, you’ll be able to virtually assure that Inoue shall be sporting him down with suffocating strain. Inoue is superb at slicing off the ring, and his presence and positioning as an offensive fighter is bound to empty Fulton’s tank over time. When a fighter will get drained, they lose their form, their reflexes, and their sturdiness. That spells doom. Inoue is a affected person murderer and he’s prone to break via with one thing devastating late on, which can invariably pressure the referee or Fulton’s nook to name a halt to the motion.”
ELIJAH PIERCE (JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT): FULTON SD
“I believe it’s a terrific battle. Each of these fighters are glorious. Inoue positively has the ability in his favor however I really feel like Fulton has the size and the boxing I.Q. plus, I don’t consider Inoue has ever been within the ring with an African American fighter earlier than and that’s a really pivotal piece of the puzzle. There’s a distinction within the model, the motion and simply the work price and talent itself. I really feel not being acquainted with that can go in Fulton’s favor. I believe it is going to be an entertaining battle. I might favor Fulton by break up resolution.”
JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): INOUE UD
“This can be a nice battle and hold going forwards and backwards with my decide, I believe Fulton goes to field Inoue’s ears off, however I give the sting to Inoue for the easy reality that he’s preventing in a snug setting, and he has a bit edge on exercise. That is Fulton’s first battle on the highway, so that’s a number of strain, but when he can pull it off, I stand corrected and can give all of the credit score to Fulton.”
JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): INOUE UD
“Unimaginable battle, actually hope it will get the eye that it deserves. Each of those guys undefeated, barely within the prime of their careers, and have each taken out a lot of high guys up to now to get so far. I do consider that Fulton has his again towards the wall right here, he’s preventing in Inoue’s yard, and he additionally has been inactive. In my view he’s going to need to battle absolutely the good battle so as to get out of Japan with a win. He additionally doesn’t possess a lot energy in any respect, which shall be an issue when making an attempt to maintain the Monster off of you for 12-rounds. I’ve Inoue incomes the unanimous resolution in a really entertaining battle.”
MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): INOUE UD
“Although Fulton is a pure junior featherweight and a very good boxer I don’t assume he has the ability to neutralize the strain of Inoue however he shall be expert sufficient to keep away from the knockout and be aggressive at instances.”
ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): INOUE PTS
“The battle of fights. Fulton positively has the power to do that together with his pace, timing, sharp punching and foot work. However the lack of relative punching energy alongside a regard for the battle might be his undoing. Fulton would possibly must be good to win and Inoue isn’t Wilder; his hazard is ever current. Initially, I although Fulton’s pace and measurement would possibly carry him to a choice win however Inoue is a freak and a part of historical past. He may need to toil for this although, maybe by resolution slightly than knockout.”
Stephen Fulton (left) pitched a near-shutout in his resolution win over Daniel Roman in June 2022. (Picture by Ryan Hafey/ PBC)
RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): INOUE
“The monster is shifting up once more, seeking to conquor one other division. And he’s going after top-of-the-line within the division in Fulton. Fulton confidence in himself that he’ll be preventing in Japan. Most champions need house benefit, however Fulton believes he has what it takes to win and return house because the champion of the world. I like the boldness and as a real champion he’s prepared to go overseas. Sadly for Fulton, he’s preventing most likely the best Japanese fighter ever in Inoue. The battle will begin with warning as each fighters will wish to check the waters. Fulton, good motion and angles, with good hand pace. Solely downside is that his punching energy received’t be sufficient to cease the monster from coming. Inoue’s timing is one in all his biggest belongings and I consider he’ll carry his energy the junior featherweight division. I see a aggressive battle whereas it final. Each will get a number of photographs in, however the Inoue energy will mark the distinction and I see Inoue catching Fulton and perhaps even stopping him within the later rounds. I believe Inoue will win both late stoppage or a unanimous resolution in a fan-friendly battle.”
JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): INOUE UD
“I believe Inoue is examined, however comes via very solidly. His energy will hold him in management for essentially the most half. Inoue by 12-round unanimous resolution.”
BOB SANTOS (MANAGER/ TRAINER): FULTON PTS
“I like Fulton on this battle. I believe he’s going to have the ability to management the vary. I believe he’s going to outbox Inoue in a method and perplex him. I like Fulton’s ring generalship handspeed and I simply assume general he’s a a lot craftier fighter.”
ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): INOUE
“A Battle of the Little Giants, harking back to Jeff Chandler and Richie Sandoval. I consider that is going to be Inoue’s hardest battle thus far because of Fulton’s ability. Nevertheless, as all nice that rise to the event, I really consider Inoue is particular and an all-time nice who will rise to the event and unify the belts within the late rounds. TKO or unanimous resolution.”
RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): INOUE PTS
“Fulton positively has the abilities, he’s flashy however doesn’t have pop. He must field, field and field. Inoue is all about energy and strain. This can be a 50/50 battle. I lean extra in the direction of Inoue in shut hometown resolution.”
Closing Tally: Inoue 18-3
Questions and/or feedback could be despatched to Anson at [email protected].
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The quilt of the June-July 2023 Summer season Particular was painted by Richard Slone.
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