THE RESULT: Naoya Inoue, the Japanese sensation, added another stoppage victory to his impressive 26-fight record. He halted Filipino Marlon Tapales at the one minute and two seconds mark of round 10 in Koto-Ku, Japan. Inoue dominated the fight and ultimately secured the finish with a powerful right hand to Tapales’ forehead, forcing Tapales to the canvas.
KEY MOMENTS: In round four, Inoue landed a counter left hook that put Tapales on unsteady legs and ultimately dropped him for the first time in the fight.
RECORDS: Inoue’s record now stands at 26-0 (23), while Tapales falls to 37-4 (19).
TALKING POINT: With only Nonito Donaire able to take Inoue the distance since 2016, it raises the question of who is capable of lasting the distance with Inoue, let alone defeating him. Despite his defensive soundness, durability, and ambition, Tapales still appeared exhausted and pained when dropping to his knees in round 10.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Now that Inoue has claimed all four major belts in the super-bantamweight division, some may wonder if he will step up to featherweight for greater challenges and bigger names, which may be exactly what the “Monster” needs to keep his form going at the age of 30.