Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed super bantamweight title when he clashes with Louis Nery in Tokyo today.
Mr. Inoue indy sportsHe won an undisputed spot in the second division by stopping No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer Marlon Tapares in December. He is only the second person in history to accomplish this feat. The 31-year-old Japanese was previously an undisputed contender at bantamweight, but also reigned at light flyweight and super flyweight.
Inoue's victory over Tapares gave the undefeated “Monster” his seventh consecutive KO win, while Nelly entered Tokyo with three consecutive KOs and only one loss in his professional career.
The 29-year-old Mexican is a former bantamweight and super bantamweight champion, but he will face a tough test against Inoue here.
Follow the live updates and results of Inoue vs. Neri and the undercard card below.
Inoue vs Nelly LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
The first left hook landed cleanly on Moloney's jaw. This fight is starting to get away from him. He finally landed a solid jab.
Strong left hook from Takei, this time to the body. The boxers temporarily tied the score. they part.
A decent short cross from Moloney caught Takei who was penetrating. Expect more success from Moloney, including a wicked right hook to the body!
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 12:05
Inoue vs Nelly LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
Takei's provocative uppercut and solid cross. Moloney throws some combinations but can't find the mark.
Takei lands a strong counter left hook!
Moloney rushes forward, but is still unable to put together a significant attack.
Just before the gong, Takei steps in with an uppercut.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 12:01
Inoue vs Nelly LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
Takei went down under pressure from Moloney, but it was just a slip.
Speaking of which, when Moloney went to the mat himself, the corner of the canvas was wiped dry.
Takei increased the pressure, pushing him further into the corner. After Moloney misses a one-two, he loses his balance with a counter left hook.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:58
Inoue vs Nelly LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
So Takei has been good offensively so far, but he's had a few low blows that cost him points. For the most part, both boxers have good defense, but Moloney needs to match his punches a little more. That's the pattern for now.
Takei's long jab is nice! Left hook embedded in Moloney's body and a series of head shots!
Moloney claims he was hit in the back of the head, and he ducked down, unsure of how to protect himself.
Takei is starting to find his timing and rhythm. Moloney has a hard time doing so.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:53
Inoue vs Nelly LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
Moloney's defense is good so far. He jumped into range and successfully blocked Takei's counter.
But Moloney needs a cleaner offense. That being said, Takei hasn't landed much yet aside from the aforementioned low blow for which he was cautioned.
oh! Then, Takei was hit with a long left hook to the body and lost a point! oh.
Moloney throws a left hook but misses. Block Takei's one-two. Takei steps in and crosses to the chest.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:49
Inoue vs Nelly LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
Takei is a southpaw, while Moloney is an orthodox. This is Moloney's second fight against a southpaw in his 10-year pro career.
However, it was a good start for Moloney as he parried the right jab sharply.
Other than two crosses from Takei, there have been no notable shots from either player so far. Both shots were aimed at the body, and he received a warning for shooting too low. And the third time!
He accepts each warning with a nod.
This time there is a cross on Moloney's chest. Decent step-in jab by the champion in response. Takei overshoots his right hook to the head.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:45
Inoue vs Nelly LIVE: Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
It’s time for the sub-main event!
Australia's Jason Moloney defends his WBO bantamweight title against Japan's Yoshiki Takei!
Moloney is 27 wins, 2 losses (19 KOs), and Takei is 8 wins, 0 losses, 8 KOs!
By the way, Moloney is a former victim of the “monster” Naoya Inoue.
Moloney is jumping up and down. Takei says that she has a calm expression, as if she is meditating.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:39
Inoue vs Neri LIVE: Takuma Inoue vs Sho Ishida
Takuma Inoue def. Sho Ishida wins by unanimous decision (118-109, 118-109, 116-111).
And yet! This is the correct result.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:26
Inoue vs Neri LIVE: Takuma Inoue vs Sho Ishida
Fun final episode! The mini-attrition ended with Inoue dumping Ishida to the mat.
There is no doubt that Inoue put in a good enough effort to retain the title here.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:18
Inoue vs Neri LIVE: Takuma Inoue vs Sho Ishida
The penultimate round. Ishida tries to break Inoue's guard with hooks and uppercuts, but it's no use.
Inoue then throws uppercuts and hooks of his own, but they are much more venomous.
Returning to range, Inoue hits a perfect right cross. He blocked a one-two. Decent counter uppercut.
Inoue doesn't seem fazed, but Ishida hits an uppercut of his own.
Alex PattleMay 6, 2024 11:14