Naoya Inoue Overcomes Knockdown to Stop Luis Nery

Naoya Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) overcame an opening round knockdown to stop Luis Nery (35-2, 27 KOs) in six.

The two fighters met in the main event of a card at the Tokyo Dome. Fight fans in the United States were able to catch the action live on ESPN+, while those in the United Kingdom and Ireland could do so on Sky Sports. With the win, Inoue made the first defence of his undisputed status at super bantamweight.

Nery stunned many by knocking down Inoue in round one. A situation many could not conceive of going into fight night, it brought to mind James “Buster” Douglas’ knockout win over “Iron” Mike Tyson, also at the same venue. Despite the scare, “The Monster” dropped Nery three times en route to victory.

Be sure to check our recap of Takuma Inoue and Seigo Yuri Akui’s title defences earlier in the night.

Inoue Drops Nery Three Times En Route to Stoppage Victory

Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery Recap

Both fighters threw swinging shots at each other in the opening round itself. In completely unexpected fashion, Nery caught Inoue with a left that sent the undisputed champion to the canvas. It was a moment that stunned those in attendance. Inoue got up with Nery looking to end things. The Japanese fighter made it to the end of the round, allowing him to reset.

DOWN GOES INOUE.

DOWN GOES INOUE.

DOWN GOES INOUE.

DOWN GOES INOUE. pic.twitter.com/af6jkMG417

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 6, 2024

In round two, it was Inoue’s turn to knock down Nery with a left hand. Things started to change from that point onward. Inoue started to time and land his shots, while also being able to easily avoid the punches of his opponent. He was soon showboating, beckoning Nery to come forward and throw.

THE MONSTER RETURNS THE FAVOR 🍿 pic.twitter.com/xfU3vAEGIx

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 6, 2024

Nery went down for the second time in the fight in round five from a left hook. With 30 seconds remaining, Inoue landed punch after punch, nearly ending the fight before the bell rang to end the round. By this point in the bout, it was clear that the end was near.

THE CHAMP SENSES BLOOD IN THE WATER 🦈 pic.twitter.com/Z8hsMnLQt1

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 6, 2024

Nery continued to have no answer to what he was getting hit with in the sixth. Inoue soon put an end to proceedings with a short right uppercut, followed by a short right hook that knocked the daylights out of the Mexican. Nery was unable to beat the count of referee Michael Griffin, giving Inoue the knockout win. The time of stoppage was 1:22 of round six.

FOLDED HIM.

GOOD NIGHT FROM THE SOLD OUT TOKYO DOME 👑🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/8J3fgl7api

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 6, 2024

Post-Fight Interview

“This is the first Tokyo Dome boxing card in 34 years,” said Inoue through an interpreter. “I am so excited to be here. Thank you so much everyone.”

“I’m so happy that I got knocked down…actually, that helped me, gave me good motivation. It got my attention.”

“I am so thankful to get a fight against Luis Nery today here at the Tokyo Dome…I know there was some difficult feeling among the Japanese boxing fans because of his fight in the past [where he tested positive for an illegal substance and missed weight in another fight]. I personally appreciate Nery. That’s why I shook hands with him after the fight.”

Sam Goodman (18-0, 8 KOs) was present in the ring and it was suggested by Inoue that negotiations for a fight between the two in September may begin soon.

Takei Becomes Bantamweight Champion in Nine Fights Against Moloney

Yoshiki Takei (9-0, 8 KOs) became WBO bantamweight champion in only his ninth fight with a unanimous decision against Jason Moloney (27-3, 19 KOs).

Scores for the bout were 117-110 and 116-111 (x2). The fight began cautiously in the first. In the early rounds, Takei gradually established control by keeping Moloney at bay and outboxing him from a distance. The Japanese fighter was deducted a point in round two by referee Steve Willis for a low blow. Despite that, Takei remained in control while Moloney struggled to close the distance and land shots of his own.

The challenger kept Moloney guessing with a variety of shots to the head and body. However, Takei began to tire from the middle rounds onwards. He also started to keep his hands low, but maintained control of the fight by peppering Moloney with jabs followed by that left hand. The second half of the bout saw the Australian come forward, but he was not landing or throwing enough to trouble his opponent. Takei, a former kickboxer, powered on despite fatigue.

Sensing he was behind in the final round, Moloney let his hands go in an attempt to knock out his weary opponent. Though he was repeatedly hit clean with hooks and appeared stunned, Takei stayed on his feet until the final bell. Doing so allowed him to have his hand raised in victory.