Naoya Inoue, the diminutive yet formidable boxer, has struck fear into the hearts of many an opponent. Standing at just 5ft 5in and weighing less than 9st, he packs a punch that can leave foes reeling. But what is it like to face this 'Monster' in the ring? Let's delve into the experiences of those who have braved the challenge.
The Fear Factor
Paul Butler, a two-time world bantamweight champion, took on Inoue in 2022. He describes the build-up to the fight as a mental battle, envisioning the impact of Inoue's punches. "I've got in my mind for 12 weeks, when he hits me it's going to feel like a train hit me," Butler said. The video research he conducted only heightened his apprehension, as he witnessed Inoue's power with 14oz gloves. Yet, when he stood face-to-face with Inoue, he felt a renewed sense of confidence, attributing it to Inoue's struggle with the weight cut.
"I remember having a face-to-face with him after the weigh-in and looking and thinking 'How on earth are you knocking people's spark out? Mate, you're tiny,'" Butler recalled. "Then he got in the ring the next day and he was massive. He had his back to me. I looked at his calves and I thought 'wow - the size of his legs.'"
The Power
Jason Moloney, another challenger, described Inoue's power as 'shocking'. "You go into the fight - you know he's the Monster. You've seen his knockouts. You've heard about his power," Moloney said. "He was throwing a few, I was catching a few on the gloves and I thought 'this is OK, this is nothing I can't handle'. But when he lands them, they're just so crisp."
Moloney's experience was a stark reminder of Inoue's ability to deliver precise, powerful shots. "It's a real shock that just sort of goes right through you like electric. They're not nice to wear," he added. The impact was so profound that Moloney couldn't feel his legs for several rounds, even after the bell rang to signal the end of the eighth round.
The Bad Intentions
What sets Inoue apart, according to Moloney, is not just his power but also the way he delivers his shots. "They're short; they're so precise; they're fast. They're the shots that you just don't see coming," Moloney explained. "He just pulls the trigger that fast and he throws a lot with real bad intentions."
Inoue's ability to land shots with such speed and accuracy, coupled with his aggressive intent, makes him a formidable opponent. "There's no extra fat on the shots, so you don't see him coming. He doesn't show that he's loading up. He doesn't show that he's trying to set a trap, but before you know it you're on the end of it," Moloney noted.
The Weakness?
Despite Inoue's remarkable skills and consistent success, there is a glimmer of hope for his challengers. Jason Moloney, who was stopped in the seventh round, believes that Inoue's desire to move up in weight classes could be his Achilles' heel. "If he goes up to featherweight, size might beat him. But other than that, skill-wise, power, presence, ability - he's got everything," Butler said.
Inoue's dominance is undeniable, but the prospect of facing larger opponents in different weight classes presents an intriguing challenge. Will he be able to adapt and continue his winning streak? Only time will tell.
In my opinion, the key to beating Inoue lies in capitalizing on his weight fluctuations. As he ventures into new weight classes, the physical advantage may shift in favor of his opponents. However, it's essential to remember that Inoue's skill set remains unparalleled, and his ability to adapt and overcome challenges is a testament to his greatness. The boxing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Inoue's remarkable journey.
