Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue | ESPN - July 25, 2023

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Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue fight rescheduled for July in Tokyo

The Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue fight for Fulton's unified junior featherweight championship has been rescheduled for July 25 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Inoue's American promoter, Top Rank, announced Wednesday.

Inoue, ESPN's No. 2 pound-for-pound boxer, suffered an undisclosed injury while training earlier this month ahead of the scheduled May 7 fight against Fulton in Yokohama, Japan.

The 122-pound championship fight will be streamed on ESPN+ stateside in the morning.

Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) vacated his four 118-pound titles in January -- one month after he captured the undisputed bantamweight championship with an 11th-round KO of Paul Butler -- to chase titles in a fourth weight class. The Japanese star quickly closed a deal to fight ESPN's No. 1 boxer at 122 pounds: Fulton. The 28-year-old Philadelphian holds the WBC and WBO junior featherweight titles.

Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs) isn't simply the top fighter at 122 pounds; he also is one of the best regardless of weight. A fight featuring Fulton and Inoue is among the best matchups the sport can deliver.

Fulton, who has never fought professionally outside the United States, told ESPN in June he believed a fight with Inoue was "realistic" if Inoue moved up to 122 pounds before Fulton eventually jumped up to 126.

"I don't shy away from big fights," Fulton said then. "A lot of people want to see [me vs. Inoue]; a lot of people want to talk about that, as well.

"Had I been more known like Inoue, I'd be on that [pound-for-pound] list."

Inoue, 29, is one of the most dynamic boxers in the world, a fighter with blinding speed who uses angles, punch variety and ring smarts to make quick work out of top contenders. He was involved in ESPN's 2019 Fight of the Year, in which he pushed through a broken nose and fractured orbital to outpoint Nonito Donaire. Inoue left no doubt in the rematch in June, when he scored a second-round TKO of the future Hall of Famer.

Against Fulton, Inoue will certainly meet his biggest -- and toughest -- challenge to date. Fulton is a career-long 122-pounder who can box from the inside and from the outside and often throws upward of 1,000 punches in his fights. Inoue, meanwhile, began his career at 108 pounds.

"The real battle starts from here," Inoue said in January.

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Press Release | Robeisy Ramirez vs. Satoshi Shimizu Added

Robeisy "El Tren" Ramirez is ready to make the inaugural defense of his WBO featherweight world title against a fellow two-time Olympian.

Ramirez will take on Japanese contender Satoshi “Diamond Left” Shimizu Tuesday, July 25, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Ramirez-Shimizu will serve as the co-feature to the world title showdown between Philadelphia’s WBC/WBO junior featherweight champion Stephen Fulton and Japan’s pound-for-pound king Naoya “Monster” Inoue.

Fulton-Inoue, Ramirez-Shimizu and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Ramirez said, "Next stop, Japan! I am happy to announce my quick return to the ring in what will be the first defense of my WBO world championship. Fighting is what I do best, titles are meant to be defended, and there’s no stopping 'El Tren!'"

Ramirez (12-1, 7 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, experienced a rocky start to his pro career following a split decision loss to Adan Gonzales in August 2019. However, after joining forces with Cuban trainer Ismael Salas, the 29-year-old has developed a more pro-friendly stye. He has remained undefeated since and avenged his loss to Gonzales in a 2020 rematch inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In 2022, Ramirez stopped Irish veteran Eric Donovan in February, starched then-unbeaten contender Abraham Nova in June, and defeated Jose Matias Romero via ninth-round TKO in October. In his last fight, the fighting pride of Cienfuegos, Cuba, soundly defeated former junior featherweight world champion Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to capture the WBO featherweight crown.

Shimizu (11-1, 10 KOs) is a 37-year-old southpaw making his first attempt at a world title. Before turning pro, he represented Japan at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. In his first Olympiad, Shizmu was eliminated in his opening bout. Four years later, he moved down to bantamweight and earned a bronze medal, defeating Dogboe but losing to eventual gold medalist Luke Campbell. Shimizu has only tasted defeat once as a pro, a sixth-round TKO loss to Joe Noynay in 2019. His pro career is otherwise unblemished, having knocked out 10 of 11 opponents across an almost seven-year span.

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This fight needs more noise.

Shame it's midweek!

[SendoTakeshi]

This fight needs more noise.

Shame it's midweek!

I even have to take a day off for the fight.

I think the Bud vs EJ fight is overshadowing it a little bit, even though I'm as much hyped for this one.

[Oiky]

This fight is an absolute cracker

[Cent0089]

This fight needs more noise.

Shame it's midweek!

I even have to take a day off for the fight.

I think the Bud vs EJ fight is overshadowing it a little bit, even though I'm as much hyped for this one.

Davis - Garcia, Inoue - Fulton, Crawford - Spence, Canelo - Charlo. what a good year for boxing

[Ruthless-RKO]

This fight needs more noise.

Shame it's midweek!

I even have to take a day off for the fight.

I think the Bud vs EJ fight is overshadowing it a little bit, even though I'm as much hyped for this one.

Davis - Garcia, Inoue - Fulton, Crawford - Spence, Canelo - Charlo. what a good year for boxing

This time last year PBC looked finished lol

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DARING TO BE GREAT: AN ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION ON THE STEPHEN FULTON-NAOYA INOUE CLASH

1. In what style will Fulton fight?
   Fulton has demonstrated an ability to win fights in the trenches and on the outside. Against Angelo Leo and Brandon Figueroa, Fulton beat those opponents at their own game, matching and even surpassing them on the inside and displaying the cleaner work. He took bold risks in those fights, and in the Figueroa bout he probably got hit with more shots than he needed to. However, he was determined to out-tough the tough man.
   
   In Fulton’s last fight against Danny Roman, he was masterful at dominating from the outside. Using his length, reach and movement, he neutralized Roman’s aggression and never allowed him to develop a consistent offensive rhythm. And in the final third of the fight, he flipped on the jets and took the fight right to Roman. Fulton’s freshness and accuracy were too much for Roman to handle.
   
   Against Inoue, Fulton will have a deliberate choice to make in how he envisions winning the fight. Will he try to impose his size on Inoue, which will provide his opponent with more chances, or will he force Inoue to come find him as he patrols the outside of the ring? Of course, backfoot boxing has its own challenges in that certain judges will reflexively reward the fighter who comes forward, irrespective of effectiveness. Nevertheless, there will be moments in the fight where Fulton will need to trade and exchange with Inoue. The question is will he welcome those exchanges or will he try to limit them? This answer will have a huge bearing on how the fight plays out.

• How will Inoue’s power play at 122 and can Fulton take Inoue’s best punch?
  Inoue started his career at 108 pounds and this will be his fourth weight class in which he’s competed. At bantamweight (118 pounds) Inoue scored knockouts in eight of his nine fights and in the one fight he didn’t get a KO, he was still able to knock down Nonito Donaire, who he stopped in their rematch. I’m sure that Inoue will still pack a punch at 122, but it’s an open question as to whether his power will still be as devastating.
  
  A corollary to this is how well can Fulton take Inoue’s power. Fulton has been in the ring with several solid punchers, including Figueroa, Arnold Khegai and Isaac Avelar, but none of those fighters were close to the one-shot KO artist that Inoue is. Fulton’s chin has been an asset throughout this point in his career, but it will be tested in this fight in a way that it hasn’t before. If Fulton’s chin holds up to “The Monster” Inoue’s best shots, then this fight could have a much different trajectory.

• Fulton’s physical advantages
  Fulton will have a three-inch reach advantage in the fight, which could prove to be significant should Fulton rely on his outside fighting skills. But the three inches is more than a number for Fulton; his whole set-up when fighting on the outside is predicated on neutralizing an opponent. Yes, he will use his jab and land it from the outside, but defensively, he’s fantastic at using his shoulder to block punches and keep opponents from rushing in on him. Although Fulton’s not a knockout puncher, don’t let his lack of stoppages cloud the fact that he can be a very physical fighter. He expertly uses his body to find an advantage and limit the access for opponents to land scoring blows. He remained right in front of Leo and Figueroa and yet it was Fulton who was able to find the punching angles on a more consistent basis.
  
  Fulton will also have a foot speed advantage over Inoue. I wouldn’t characterize Inoue as slow. He expertly uses angles and positioning to get into range, but in terms of pure athletic ability, Fulton moves better and he has demonstrated that he can move for 12 rounds. With Fulton’s speed and size advantages, Inoue will have to find a way in without reaching or lunging. Or, Inoue will have to be able to take a few shots in order to land one of his, and perhaps that is a bargain that he will be willing to make.

• Inoue is far more than power; his precision is a separator.
  When watching Inoue fight, one of the beautiful aspects of his approach is how there is no wasted effort. Everything seems to flow naturally. Despite numerous highlight-reel knockouts, he never seems to force action or load up on shots. He gets his stoppages by exploiting weaknesses in his opponents, by being able to land multi-punch combinations, by having numerous offensive weapons and by being adaptable.
  
  The secret to Inoue is his flawless feet. His movement is always purposeful. He can cut off the ring without telegraphing his movement. His balance is impeccable. He’s rarely out of position. And he’s always ready to throw, whether it’s one punch or four.
  
  The way he sets up shots is worthy of study. He does a tremendous job of changing the speed and power of his punches so that an opponent isn’t exactly ready for what’s coming. During combinations, he frequently will take some power off the first one or two punches so he can connect with a crushing third shot. He will also mix to the head and body in unpredictable sequences. Yes, Inoue has tremendous power, but it’s far more complex than just throwing a single shot repeatedly and hoping to land it. He’s a chess player in the ring and he’s often multiple moves ahead of his opponents.

• Body punching
  Inoue lands his fair share of body punches and his left hook to the body can be a sickening shot. He can lead with that punch or end a combination with it. But I think Fulton’s body punching is underrated. Going downstairs with straight right hands, jabs, or hooks to either flank, Fulton can deplete opponents with his own brand of precision. Fulton will also use his forearm in the trenches to create the appropriate distance to land body shots. He possesses a lot of craft when going to the body and it wouldn’t surprise me if jabs and straight rights to the body from a distance are an important part of his game plan in the early rounds.
  
  I think that both fighters will commit to going to the body in the fight. Yes, landing flush head shots always gets the judges’ attention, but this could be a 12-round marathon, and a weakened opponent is one who can be beaten more easily. And although Inoue is the bigger knockout guy, don’t discount Fulton’s abilities with body punching. It’s an underrated part of his game.

[Thomastearns]

When it comes to moving up in weight Inoue seems to be following in the footsteps of Lomachenko and Pacquiao.

There will inevitably come a point where the effectiveness of his power will suddenly diminish.

Fulton will be relying upon that point arriving exactly a week today.

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[joshj909]

Looks like that guy is trying to be a controversial asshole

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No Officials From Japan Or U.S. Assigned To 122-Pound Title Fight In Tokyo

None of the officials that have been assigned to the Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue fight are from the United States or Japan.

Boxing Scene has learned that Canada’s Richard Blouin, Italy’s Guido Cavalleri and Spain’s Manuel Palomo have been chosen as the judges for their 12-round, 122-pound championship bout Tuesday night at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Panama’s Hector Afu has been selected as the referee who will officiate Fulton-Inoue.

Philadelphia’s Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs) will fight outside of the United States for the first time when he defends his WBC and WBO championships against Japan’s Inoue, who is a superstar in his home country. Yokohama’s Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) has fought three times in the United States – twice in Las Vegas and once in Carson, California – and once in Glasgow, Scotland, but 20 of his 24 professional fights have taken place in Japan.

Cavalleri is the most experienced in championship matches among the three judges picked to score Fulton-Inoue. In his most recent noteworthy fight, Cavalleri scored Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin a 95-94 winner over Brooklyn-born Teofimo Lopez in a 10-round, 140-pound bout Lopez won by split decision December 10 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

In Palomo’s most recent high-profile fight, he scored Devin Haney a 118-110 winner against Australia’s George Kambosos Jr. in their 12-round rematch October 16 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Haney, of Henderson, Nevada, decisively beat Kambosos on all three scorecards in their second fight (119-109, 118-110, 118-110).

Quebec’s Blouin will work without a doubt the biggest fight of his eight-year career as a professional judge when he takes a ringside seat to score Fulton-Inoue.

Like Cavalleri, Afu also has a lot of experience in championship bouts on the international level. Most notably in recent years, Afu officiated the first bouts between Haney and Kambosos, which Haney easily won on the scorecards in June 2022 in Melbourne, and Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano, which resulted in a 12-round split draw in July 2021 in San Antonio.

ESPN+ will stream Fulton-Inoue on Tuesday morning in the United States (approximately 8 a.m. EDT; 5 a.m. PDT). Inoue is a little less than a 3-1 favorite to become a four-weight world champion, according to most sportsbooks.

[Evander]

I'd like to know when did Fulton arrived out there, it plays a big role in calling the fight.
Style wise it's close.
Inoue has quick hands and a half decent left hook with it, but from what I've seen of his recent fights I wouldn't say so much he has flaws, rather due to his style he doesn't get much practice in any other else apart from his attack.
Fulton went through the grinder against Figueroa but fought extremely well, there was half a good case he may have lost that fight, mind you it has to be said he surprised me with his accuracy, will to win, chin and overall clear headedness considering how much heat he took during the mid to late rounds.
Fulton is actually a very sound overall boxer, unless something crazy happens or he arrived late or comes in unprepared, he could well win this.
Inoue had better bring his A game here or those belts are coming back over the Pacific.

[Fightdoctor]

Looks like that guy is trying to be a controversial asshole

Sean from Fighthyp is not just some random guy. He is vastly knowledgeable about both the business of boxing and analysis of fighters, styles and match-ups. I don't think this is a personal attack on Inuoe. I like Inuoue but I certainly would not be surprised if he is taking peds. He is getting more powerful as he moves up in weight and destroying naturally bigger men (where have we heard that before?).

[margaret thatcher]

so what is the guy's evidence? a tweet where inoue says he's in random testing?

i wouldnt be surprised if any boxer was on peds though, inoue and fulton included

[SendoTakeshi]

I would be pissed too if someone woke me and my familiy up at 2 a.m. to take 2,5 Liters of my blood and made me piss half a liter in front of them.

Also he injured his hand after that. That's why the fight got postponed.

[joshj909]

Looks like that guy is trying to be a controversial asshole

Sean from Fighthyp is not just some random guy. He is vastly knowledgeable about both the business of boxing and analysis of fighters, styles and match-ups. I don't think this is a personal attack on Inuoe. I like Inuoue but I certainly would not be surprised if he is taking peds. He is getting more powerful as he moves up in weight and destroying naturally bigger men (where have we heard that before?).

This is beyond speculation though. He's throwing shit at a wall and hopes it lands. He has not even provided proper evidence other opinion based on a comment.

[Thomastearns]

If Inoue isn't on drugs then he's either incredibly talented or incredibly confident.

Practically everyone else is.

Heck, didn't Andy Ruiz's ex more or less blow the whole thing wide open a few months back?

It's actually a testament to just how good "the monster" is to have idiots pointing the finger in the hope of distracting the greatest offensive boxer in the world today.

Such desperate mind games a few days before the fight could badly misfire.

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Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING

DOUG FISCHER: INOUE TKO

“This matchup is as good as boxing gets. Inoue, who cracked The Ring rankings in his fourth pro bout as a junior flyweight almost 10 years ago, has the look of a generational talent. Fulton is the man at junior featherweight. Both are complete, athletic fighters who are used to challenging themselves (that’s why the fight is happening). Whoever can dictate the pace and distance will have the edge in this one, and we can expect an entertaining duel of speed, power jabs, counter punches, and choice body shots. I think Fulton’s size, experience and style will pose a lot of problems for Inoue, who is making his 122-pound debut. I can see a path to a decision victory if the Philly fighter can stick-and-move with authority without getting pulled into extended exchanges, but the more likely scenario is Inoue clipping Fulton at some point between the middle and late rounds. Fulton likes to go to the body with both hands and he does so in a way that leaves his head exposed. He’s got good upper body movement, but he also has a habit of leaving his hands down. I think Fulton will have his moments, but I expect Inoue to be at his motivated best and my hunch is that he’ll hurt Fulton to the body and finish the American standout with head shots sometime after the eighth round.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: INOUE UD

“Both fighters should be lauded for taking such a risky fight. Inoue could easily have taken a lesser opponent and settled into the new division, while Fulton went out of his way to secure this fight. The Philadelphia native had been linked with a return fight with Brandon Figueroa up at featherweight but ultimately decided he wanted to face Inoue and was happy to take his two titles to Japan to do so, which will be a big challenge. The fight is very intriguing, it will see both men face their biggest challenge to date. Fulton’s toughest test came against Figueroa, an all-action punching machine, and the American was able to pass the exam. Inoue’s most difficult night came when he got wobbled and battled through a fractured right eye-socket to beat Donaire. Both those wins were each fighters proving ground but they’ll be required to step up again to win this fight. It will mark the first time Inoue has fought an elite African-American opponent, who will present him with problems with his quick hands and feet, certainly more than he will have faced so far in his career. However, it will also be a giant leap into the unknown for Fulton, while he was able to hold off Figueroa, Inoue is a much more polished fighter who has elite skills of his own and will sorely test Fulton. I feel fighting at home will be a big help for Inoue, who I think will have problems with Fulton’s style but always just be a step ahead and win a hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision 116-112.”

LEE GROVES: INOUE KO 11

“Boxing certainly has its faults, but it’s fights such as Inoue-Fulton that illustrate what the sport can be if the right fights can be made often enough. This will feature a pleasing contrast of styles between two tough-as-nails competitors capable of producing high work rate, excellent accuracy and above-average defense. Although this will mark Inoue’s debut at 122, he will be fighting at home against an opponent with a low KO percentage (.381) and who will need to box on the retreat in order to give himself the best chance to win — a tough way to impress the judges in general, but even tougher when fighting in a high-end challenger’s home nation. Fulton will have his moments, but I believe Inoue’s aggression, body punching and technique will eventually wear down the American and score the late-round TKO.”

DIEGO MORILLA: INOUE PTS

“It is truly difficult to envision a once-in-a-generation talent like Inoue being less than 100 percent for this homecoming fight against a superb talent like Fulton. People read too much on that Donaire fight and how vulnerable Inoue looked at times, but that was more a merit of a legend like Donaire than a lack of preparation or focus by Inoue. I do expect a more difficult-than-usual challenge for The Monster, but he will definitely prevail by a comfortable margin or a late stoppage.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: INOUE PTS

“A fantastic fight which, sadly, will be remembered more in historical importance than the current hype around it since it airs on a Tuesday in Japan. On paper Stephen Fulton holds advantages in age, size, natural weight class, and probably strength, which is not to be mistaken for power. There, it is Naoya Inoue who has the edge given his devastating fusion of balance, speed, technique, and punching power. Which package wins out comes down to poise in this pressure situation, and I trust the more tested Inoue on his home turf. The fight goes the distance, with Fulton battling back in the middle rounds, but ultimately unable to stop the more precise punching of Inoue in the championship rounds. I can even see a knockdown in favor of Inoue sealing a win that looks more comfortable on the scorecards than it was. No matter who wins, the loser will only be negatively impacted by the Twitter trolls who scream “exposed” for a short period… but fully praised in historical terms down the line.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: INOUE UD

“He’s 5-foot-5, a little guy, but his stature has never been bigger in both the global pound-for-pound debate and Japanese popularity polls. That ascent figures to continue against Stephen Fulton, who has traveled a long way to take on what can only be called a longshot attempt at beating Inoue in front of adoring countrymen, who recently voted him as Japan’s fourth most popular athlete in a poll conducted by The Sasakawa Sports Foundation. Inoue is not Ohtani, Japan’s Babe Ruth. But he’s in the ballpark. Fulton has the experience. He has two of the belts, too. He’s proven at junior featherweight. In Japan, however, he looks to be only a stepping stone for Inoue, a three-division champion who is making his 122-pound debut. The slick Fulton may be elusive enough to take it to the scorecards. But Inoue’s dynamic mix of power and precision will be too much, especially in the late rounds.”

RON BORGES: INOUE TKO

“Stephen Fulton has boxed his way to claiming both the WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles and has a spotless 21-0 record but none of that will help him on July 25 when he defends those titles against “challenger” Naoya Inoue in Tokyo. It speaks to Inoue’s drawing power that the fight is in the “challenger’s” country not the US and that power comes from what will be Fulton’s biggest problem – Inoue’s crushing punching power. Some have argued that Inoue is at some risk because he is moving up in weight for the fifth time after winning world titles from light flyweight to bantamweight over the past three years. This will be his first fight at 122 pounds but there has been little indication that the rise in weight has sapped his punching power in any significant way. Fulton is a fine boxer who will give Inoue problems initially but eventually the mind-numbing power of Inoue, power that has led him to 21 knockout victories in 24 fights, will take its toll, first wearing Fulton down and eventually knocking him down. Fighting halfway around the world from home will only enhance the difficulties Fulton will be forced to try and overcome. When it’s all said and done, Inoue will stop Fulton somewhere in the latter third of the fight. If not sooner.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): FULTON MD

“This fight surely will meet all of the expectations of the fight game, all the talk and attention is commanded by Inoue given the fact this fight is in his backyard. With a hugely impressive record. The question has to be can the monster be tamed? Fulton, the naturally bigger man at 122-pounds, for me, is favourite to win this unified battle. Inoue’s power can only take him so far, his trade mark bodyshots will be blocked, slipped or parried away, we’re talking levels. Thus far Inoue has dominated his opponents with reputation and backing up his boast. The problem is the slick punching classy Fulton looks to have the answer he’s not a big puncher but more of a very good all- rounder with a good chin and a very good engine. Inoue will be forced to fight at a very uncomfortable pace and will get outboxed, Fulton won’t be intimidated by Inoue’s reputation and wins by majority decision.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER/ COMMENTATOR): INOUE KO

“Great match up that I just don’t see going the distance. Fulton is incredible boxer puncher, but Inoue is a pound-for-pound great! His power and speed are special. I see Fulton making a fight but not being able fight off Inoue for 12-rounds. Inoue by KO.”

SAM GOODMAN (JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER): INOUE

“I think Fulton’s best chance is to make Inoue feel his strength and use his size on him. I think it’s a long night for Fulton. I think Inoue wins by knockout in the later rounds or by decision.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): INOUE TKO 10

“Despite the odds favouring Inoue, this should be a highly competitive fight. Fulton presents problems that Inoue has rarely if ever encountered. The American is a natural 122-pounder, he’s known for his defensive prowess, and he’s arguably the best pure boxer that Inoue will ever have shared a ring with. The champ has never been down as a professional and his tactical know-how should keep him out of danger in the early rounds. But 12-rounds is a long time. If Fulton is having success off the backfoot, you can almost guarantee that Inoue will be wearing him down with suffocating pressure. Inoue is excellent at cutting off the ring, and his presence and positioning as an offensive fighter is sure to empty Fulton’s tank over time. When a fighter gets tired, they lose their shape, their reflexes, and their durability. That spells doom. Inoue is a patient assassin and he’s likely to break through with something devastating late on, which will invariably force the referee or Fulton’s corner to call a halt to the action.”

ELIJAH PIERCE (JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT): FULTON SD

“I think it’s a great fight. Both of those fighters are excellent. Inoue definitely has the power in his favor but I feel like Fulton has the length and the boxing I.Q. plus, I don’t believe Inoue has ever been in the ring with an African American fighter before and that’s a very pivotal piece of the puzzle. There’s a difference in the style, the movement and just the work rate and ability itself. I feel not being familiar with that will go in Fulton’s favor. I think it will be an entertaining fight. I would favor Fulton by split decision.”

JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): INOUE UD

“This is a great fight and keep going back and forth with my pick, I think Fulton is going to box Inoue’s ears off, but I give the edge to Inoue for the simple fact that he is fighting in a comfortable setting, and he has a little edge on activity. This is Fulton’s first fight on the road, so that is a lot of pressure, but if he can pull it off, I stand corrected and will give all the credit to Fulton.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): INOUE UD

“Incredible fight, truly hope it gets the attention that it deserves. Both of these guys undefeated, barely in the prime of their careers, and have both taken out a number of top guys thus far to get to this point. I do believe that Fulton has his back against the wall here, he’s fighting in Inoue’s backyard, and he also has been inactive. In my opinion he is going to have to fight the absolute perfect fight in order to get out of Japan with a win. He also doesn’t possess much power at all, which will be a problem when trying to keep the Monster off of you for 12-rounds. I have Inoue earning the unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.”

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): INOUE UD

“Even though Fulton is a natural junior featherweight and an excellent boxer I don’t think he has the power to neutralize the pressure of Inoue but he will be skilled enough to avoid the knockout and be competitive at times.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): INOUE PTS

“The fight of fights. Fulton definitely has the ability to do this with his speed, timing, sharp punching and foot work. But the lack of relative punching power alongside a regard for the fight could be his undoing. Fulton might need to be perfect to win and Inoue isn’t Wilder; his danger is ever present. Originally, I though Fulton’s speed and size might carry him to a decision win but Inoue is a freak and part of history. He might have to toil for this though, perhaps by decision rather than knockout.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): INOUE

“The monster is moving up again, looking to conquor another division. And he’s going after one of the best in the division in Fulton. Fulton confidence in himself that he’ll be fighting in Japan. Most champions want home advantage, but Fulton believes he has what it takes to win and return home as the champion of the world. I like the confidence and as a true champion he’s willing to go abroad. Unfortunately for Fulton, he’s fighting probably the greatest Japanese fighter ever in Inoue. The fight will start with caution as both fighters will want to test the waters. Fulton, good movement and angles, with good hand speed. Only problem is that his punching power won’t be enough to stop the monster from coming. Inoue’s timing is one of his greatest assets and I believe he’ll bring his power the junior featherweight division. I see a competitive fight while it last. Both will get a few shots in, but the Inoue power will mark the difference and I see Inoue catching Fulton and maybe even stopping him in the later rounds. I think Inoue will win either late stoppage or a unanimous decision in a fan-friendly fight.”

JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): INOUE UD

“I think Inoue is tested, but comes through very solidly. His power will keep him in control for the most part. Inoue by 12-round unanimous decision.”

BOB SANTOS (MANAGER/ TRAINER): FULTON PTS

“I like Fulton in this fight. I think he’s going to be able to control the range. I think he’s going to outbox Inoue in a way and perplex him. I like Fulton’s ring generalship handspeed and I just think overall he’s a much craftier fighter.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): INOUE

“A Battle of the Little Giants, reminiscent of Jeff Chandler and Richie Sandoval. I believe this is going to be Inoue’s toughest fight to date due to Fulton’s skill. However, as all great that rise to the occasion, I truly believe Inoue is special and an all-time great who will rise to the occasion and unify the belts in the late rounds. TKO or unanimous decision.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): INOUE PTS

“Fulton definitely has the skills, he’s flashy but doesn’t have pop. He needs to box, box and box. Inoue is all about power and pressure. This is a 50/50 fight. I lean more towards Inoue in close hometown decision.”

Final Tally: Inoue 18-3

[Thomastearns]

Out of all the various opinions it's Duke McKenzie's that I would pay the most attention to -

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): FULTON MD

“This fight surely will meet all of the expectations of the fight game, all the talk and attention is commanded by Inoue given the fact this fight is in his backyard. With a hugely impressive record. The question has to be can the monster be tamed? Fulton, the naturally bigger man at 122-pounds, for me, is favourite to win this unified battle. Inoue’s power can only take him so far, his trade mark bodyshots will be blocked, slipped or parried away, we’re talking levels. Thus far Inoue has dominated his opponents with reputation and backing up his boast. The problem is the slick punching classy Fulton looks to have the answer he’s not a big puncher but more of a very good all- rounder with a good chin and a very good engine. Inoue will be forced to fight at a very uncomfortable pace and will get outboxed, Fulton won’t be intimidated by Inoue’s reputation and wins by majority decision.”

This will be a tough fight for Inoue but I'm hoping Duke has underestimated the importance of the fact that this fight is taking place in Japan.

As far as I'm aware Fulton has never fought outside the USA before.

[SendoTakeshi]

I'll never understand how someone can predict a fight to end in a SD. You either think he is going to win or not.

This will be a tough fight for Inoue but I'm hoping Duke has underestimated the importance of the fact that this fight is taking place in Japan.

As far as I'm aware Fulton has never fought outside the USA before.

Why would it be that important?

[gregregegg]

I'll never understand how someone can predict a fight to end in a SD. You either think he is going to win or not.

This will be a tough fight for Inoue but I'm hoping Duke has underestimated the importance of the fact that this fight is taking place in Japan.

As far as I'm aware Fulton has never fought outside the USA before.

Why would it be that important?

Agree. if your predicting split decision predict a draw instead. you should only be predicting your card, not a combo of 3 random peoples cards....