Junto Nakatani’s first night campaigning at super-bantamweight proved to be anything but routine as the Japanese star was forced into a gruelling twelve-round examination by a fearless Sebastian Hernandez in Riyadh.

Fighting at the Mohammed Abdo Arena on December 27, 2025, Nakatani ultimately emerged with a unanimous decision victory, but the scorecards only told part of a contest that swung dramatically as the rounds wore on. Two judges returned scores of 115–113, while a wider third card sparked debate among observers who felt the bout was far tighter than the numbers suggested.

The early stages followed a familiar pattern for Nakatani, who boxed with calm authority and sharp timing despite stepping up in weight for the first time. The southpaw’s reach and footwork allowed him to dictate range, landing clean shots through the middle while limiting Hernandez’s opportunities to counter. It echoed the confidence he showed in his previous outing back in June, when he dismantled Ryosuke Nishida inside six rounds to claim the Ring Magazine bantamweight title and unify belts in emphatic fashion.

Hernandez, however, was never content to play a supporting role. The unbeaten Mexican steadily increased his work rate after the opening rounds, applying relentless pressure and forcing exchanges at close quarters. His willingness to take risks transformed the fight, dragging Nakatani into a demanding physical battle that tested stamina as much as skill.

From the middle rounds onwards, the tempo rose sharply. Hernandez poured forward with volume, targeting the body and refusing to be discouraged by the champion’s accuracy. Nakatani continued to land the cleaner blows, particularly with his uppercuts and straight lefts, but he was no longer enjoying the comfort of the early sessions. Swelling around his eye was evidence of the challenger’s persistence, as the crowd sensed momentum shifting.

The championship rounds were fought at a punishing pace. Hernandez’s output never dipped, while Nakatani relied on composure and ring intelligence to stay ahead on the scorecards. Rather than chasing a finish, the Japanese fighter focused on movement and precision, aware that every exchange carried danger against an opponent growing in belief.

When the final bell sounded, both men had emptied the tank. The decision went Nakatani’s way, preserving his unbeaten record and confirming a successful, if taxing, debut at 122 pounds. While the margin of victory will be debated, few could question the quality of the contest or the resilience shown by both fighters.

In the end, the judges sided with class and consistency over pressure and volume, awarding the contest to Junto Nakatani after twelve absorbing rounds against Sebastian Hernandez.

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Naoya Inoue once again proved why he is regarded as one of the defining fighters of this era, delivering a composed and authoritative performance to defeat Alan Picasso by unanimous decision on 27 December 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Headlining The Ring V: Night of the Samurai, the undisputed super bantamweight champion added yet another elite victory to a remarkable year.

The bout was staged as part of a Japanese versus Mexican themed event backed by Riyadh Season, and it carried genuine intrigue. Picasso entered unbeaten, the WBC mandatory challenger with a reputation for intelligence, toughness and ambition. For Inoue, it marked another opportunity to reinforce his dominance at 122 pounds and continue an extraordinary run of activity at the highest level.

From the opening bell, Inoue set the tempo with precision rather than recklessness. His footwork was sharp, his jab varied, and his shot selection calculated. Picasso attempted to apply pressure and invest in body work of his own, but he found himself consistently beaten to the punch. Inoue’s timing allowed him to strike first and recover faster, denying the Mexican challenger any sustained momentum.

As the rounds progressed, the champion’s body attack became the defining feature of the contest. Inoue repeatedly found space beneath Picasso’s guard, targeting the ribs and midsection with spiteful accuracy. While Picasso showed resilience and courage throughout, the physical toll was evident as Inoue maintained control in the centre of the ring and along the ropes.

Picasso had moments where he fired back bravely, particularly when pinning Inoue near the corners, yet these exchanges rarely shifted the balance. Each time the challenger landed, Inoue responded with sharper, cleaner combinations, reinforcing his command of the fight. The Japanese star’s defensive awareness also stood out, slipping shots by inches and countering without wasting energy.

By the championship rounds, the contest had become a clear exhibition of levels. Inoue remained composed and fresh, his output steady and accurate, while Picasso relied on grit and determination to see the final bell. The judges’ scorecards reflected the champion’s dominance, confirming a unanimous decision victory after twelve rounds.

The win marked Inoue’s fourth successful defence of the Ring Magazine title in a single calendar year, equalling a feat last achieved by heavyweight great Larry Holmes in 1983. It was also a continuation of momentum built earlier in the year, when Inoue knocked out Ramon Cardenas and went the distance with Murodjon Akhmadaliev, earning a clear points win that showcased his versatility rather than raw power.

In a night that celebrated elite craftsmanship and discipline, the champion once again delivered. Naoya Inoue reaffirmed his position at the summit of the sport with a measured, punishing display, while Alan Picasso earned respect for his bravery and resolve in defeat.

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Naoya Inoue began his 2025 campaign with another emphatic statement, halting South Korea’s Ye Joon Kim in the fourth round to retain his undisputed super bantamweight crown. Fighting at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, the Japanese champion produced a measured yet devastating performance, stopping the brave challenger at 2:25 of round four.

Kim entered the contest as a late replacement, accepting the bout on short notice after the original challenger withdrew. A former regional titleholder in Asia, the Korean contender arrived with ambition and a compelling backstory, but he faced an immense task against one of boxing’s most complete champions. Both fighters weighed in at 121¾ lb, yet the gulf in experience at world level quickly became apparent.

The opening round was cautious, with Inoue using footwork and timing rather than force. He spent the early moments gauging Kim’s stance and reactions, keeping his punches economical and precise. Kim attempted to vary his approach, switching rhythm and throwing single shots, but struggled to establish authority or disrupt the champion’s balance.

By the second round, Inoue began to dictate the pace. His punches carried increasing weight, particularly to the body, and his accuracy forced Kim into defensive retreats. The Tokyo crowd sensed the shift, as each clean connection drew a murmur of anticipation. Kim’s courage could not be questioned, but the champion’s control of distance and timing steadily closed off his options.

Round three saw the punishment intensify. Inoue mixed head and body attacks with clinical efficiency, causing visible swelling around Kim’s face. Although the challenger responded with isolated counters and continued to press forward, the exchanges increasingly favoured the champion, whose calm demeanour masked the damage he was inflicting.

The end came swiftly in the fourth. As Kim tried to engage more aggressively, Inoue seized the opening and delivered a crushing right hand that dropped the challenger heavily. Referee Mark Nelson administered the count, but there was no doubt Kim could not continue. The stoppage confirmed Inoue’s 26th knockout in 29 professional victories and underlined his status as one of the most feared finishers in the sport.

This victory followed Inoue’s previous outing, where he secured undisputed status at super bantamweight with a commanding stoppage win against TJ Doheny, completing his ascent across multiple weight divisions. Against Kim, he showed patience as well as power, choosing the moment to finish rather than forcing the conclusion early.

Ye Joon Kim earned respect for accepting the challenge and displaying resilience, yet the contest served as another reminder of the champion’s exceptional level. In the final reckoning, Inoue’s precision, composure and power proved far too much for Ye Joon Kim, as Naoya Inoue once again demonstrated why he remains boxing’s undisputed super bantamweight ruler.

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Injury Halts Doheny’s Brave Challenge Against Inoue: A Brutal Body Assault Ends the Contest in Round 7

In the super-bantamweight clash in Tokyo, Irish veteran TJ Doheny’s quest to reclaim world glory came to a sudden halt as an injury forced him to retire in the seventh round against Japan’s pound-for-pound king, Naoya Inoue. The highly skilled Inoue, now 28-0 with 25 KOs, successfully defended his undisputed super-bantamweight titles at the Ariake Arena, once again proving why he’s among boxing’s elite.

From the opening bell, Inoue demonstrated his trademark sharpness and precision. While Doheny, a seasoned southpaw, was determined to stay competitive, the Japanese champion’s relentless body attack quickly set the tone. Doheny, who entered the ring with three recent victories in Japan, showed resilience, landing a few notable shots in the third round. However, it was clear that Inoue’s power and timing were beginning to wear him down.

Round six saw the tide turn decisively in favour of the undefeated champion. Inoue unleashed a punishing combination to the body, targeting Doheny’s midsection with a series of left hooks and right hands. The Irishman visibly struggled as the bell rang, retreating to his corner, clearly feeling the effects of the relentless onslaught.

The seventh round proved to be the last. Just 16 seconds in, Doheny winced in pain, clutching his side and hip after absorbing yet another powerful body shot from Inoue. Unable to continue, Doheny took a knee, and the referee, Bence Kovacs, waved off the bout. The injury spelled the end of Doheny’s brave challenge and marked the first time he had ever been stopped in his career.

Despite the disappointing end, Doheny gave a valiant effort. At 37 years old, the former IBF super-bantamweight champion was facing a monumental task against a fighter many consider to be the best in the world. Inoue’s ferocity, particularly in his bodywork, was simply too much to overcome.

For Inoue, the victory extended his knockout streak to nine and solidified his dominance at 122 pounds. The four-weight world champion is now eyeing future challenges.

As Inoue’s legend grows, Doheny’s future remains uncertain. Yet, there’s no doubt that his heart and determination will be remembered as he continues to be a respected figure in the sport.

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In a night packed with pageantry, punches, and raw power, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue delivered a spectacle worthy of the 55,000 fans who roared inside the Tokyo Dome — the same venue that once saw Buster Douglas topple Mike Tyson. On Monday night, it was Inoue who reaffirmed his reign, climbing off the canvas to demolish Luis Nery in six electrifying rounds to retain his undisputed super bantamweight crown.

For the first time in his glittering, unbeaten career, Inoue tasted the canvas after a blistering counter left from Nery in the opening round. But if the Mexican challenger thought he’d ignited a historic upset, the fire he lit in Inoue only burned brighter.

The undefeated pound-for-pound king bounced back with venom in the second, returning the favour with a punishing counter left hook that floored Nery. From there, Inoue orchestrated a masterclass in controlled aggression, systematically dismantling his opponent with a blend of speed, precision, and raw finishing power.

Nery, a former two-weight world champion, fought valiantly but was clearly outgunned. He hit the deck again in round five and was saved by the bell, but the end was inevitable. In the sixth, Inoue unleashed a thunderous right hand that nearly launched Nery through the ropes, forcing the referee to wave off the fight at 1:22.

It was a devastating finale in a fight that had begun with genuine jeopardy — a reminder that even the greats can be caught, but only the elite rise and dominate. Inoue’s record now stands at a pristine 27-0 with 24 knockouts, as he notched his 22nd world title victory exactly a decade after winning his first.

The evening was as much about spectacle as sport. Inoue’s entrance was a rock concert in boxing gloves, sound tracked by Tomoyasu Hotei’s iconic “Battle Without Honour or Humanity,” as fireworks lit up the Dome. The energy was electric, the expectations massive — and Inoue delivered on all fronts.

Having already cleared out the division, the future remains uncertain for Inoue. But after another ruthless display, the question isn’t whether he’s the best at 122 pounds — it’s whether anyone, anywhere, can stop the Monster.

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On a winter night at Ariake Arena, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue cemented his place among boxing royalty, dismantling Marlon Tapales in 10 commanding rounds to unify the super bantamweight division. With this emphatic win, Inoue becomes only the second male fighter in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status in two weight classes, following in the footsteps of Terence Crawford.

The clash was billed as a test of Tapales’ grit and Inoue’s pound-for-pound supremacy, but from the opening bell, it was clear who dictated the terms. Tapales, the reigning IBF and WBA titlist, came to Tokyo with ambition but left the ring overpowered, outgunned, and unable to beat the count after a concussive right hand in the tenth.

Inoue, who already owned the WBC and WBO straps, wasted no time showcasing his elite timing and deceptive movement. Though a sharp jab sent Tapales down early in the second, the referee ruled it a slip. But the Japanese juggernaut wasn’t deterred—his combinations began to pile up, and the tide turned irrevocably in the fourth. A sweeping left hook rattled Tapales, and a follow-up barrage floored him officially.

Despite his troubles, the Filipino southpaw showed tenacity, adjusting mid-fight with crafty footwork and well-placed counters, even snatching a couple of middle rounds on some scorecards. His jab found occasional success, especially in close quarters, but Inoue’s composure under fire and surgical pressure made the difference.

By the ninth, the hometown hero had adjusted again—doubling his right hand with alarming precision. Tapales, reverting to a high guard, tried to weather the storm, but a pulverizing right hand in the 10th cracked the code for good. He slumped to the canvas, brave but broken, as the referee reached ten.

Now a four-division champion and two-division undisputed king, Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) continues to redefine dominance in modern boxing. His blend of ring generalship, explosive power, and technical sharpness has seen him conquer division after division.

In a sport where greatness often needs validation across weight classes, Naoya Inoue has cleared every hurdle. On this night, Tokyo bore witness to a master at work—a monster whose legacy only grows with every brutal, brilliant display.

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Naoya Inoue delivered one of the most authoritative performances of his career on 25 July 2023, dismantling the unbeaten Stephen Fulton Jr to claim the WBC and WBO super bantamweight world titles at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. In a contest that had been years in the making, the Japanese icon announced his arrival at 122 pounds in emphatic fashion, forcing a stoppage in the eighth round and ending Fulton’s reign as unified champion.

The bout had originally been slated for May in Yokohama before a hand injury delayed proceedings, only adding to the anticipation surrounding one of the most intriguing match-ups in the lighter divisions. Fulton entered the ring with an unblemished record and a reputation for ring intelligence, while Inoue stepped up in weight without the benefit of an interim contest, a bold decision that spoke volumes about his confidence.

From the opening exchanges, it was clear Inoue was determined to control the tempo. He applied steady pressure, worked behind a sharp lead hand and consistently found angles that limited Fulton’s ability to dictate terms. While the American champion attempted to establish his jab and maintain distance, he was repeatedly disrupted by Inoue’s timing and variety.

As the rounds progressed, the challenger’s influence grew. Inoue mixed head and body attacks with precision, gradually eroding Fulton’s defensive shell. The difference in output became increasingly evident, with Inoue landing cleanly and often, while Fulton struggled to match the volume or accuracy being thrown at him. By the middle of the contest, the momentum had swung decisively towards the Japanese star.

The decisive moment arrived in the eighth. Inoue caught Fulton with a perfectly placed left hand that sent the champion to the canvas for the first knockdown of his career. Although Fulton rose, he was unable to recover fully. Inoue closed in swiftly, unleashing a sustained sequence of unanswered punches that prompted referee Hector Afu to intervene, bringing the contest to an end via technical knockout.

The statistics underlined the one-sided nature of the encounter. By the time of the stoppage, Inoue had outscored Fulton by a wide margin, landing 114 punches to his opponent’s 47, including a significant advantage in power shots. It was a clinical display that left little room for debate.

This victory followed Inoue’s previous outing in December 2021, when he halted Aran Dipaen in eight rounds at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan to retain his bantamweight titles. That win marked his final appearance at 118 pounds, and the transition to super bantamweight has now been completed in spectacular style.

In front of an appreciative Tokyo crowd, Naoya Inoue once again demonstrated his exceptional skill, composure and finishing instinct, while Stephen Fulton Jr showed courage but was ultimately outmatched on the night.

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Former world champion Jerwin Ancajas reasserted his pedigree with a commanding fifth-round technical knockout victory over experienced Colombian contender Wilner Soto in Minneapolis. The scheduled eight-round super-bantamweight contest quickly became a showcase of Ancajas’s seasoned craftsmanship, as he dismantled his opponent through sustained pressure and a punishing assault to the mid-section.

Both boxers opened the bout with intent, with Soto attempting to disrupt the Filipino southpaw’s rhythm by staying active and pressing forward. His early efforts, however, were met by Ancajas’s sharper timing and composed footwork. The former belt-holder showed little hesitation in stepping into range, steering the action with steady jabs and well-placed combinations that began to dictate the pace.

As the rounds progressed, Ancajas’s accuracy started to tell. He varied his attacks, switching between head and body with fluid ease and gradually reducing Soto’s freedom to operate. Soto battled with determination, but he found himself absorbing increasingly heavy blows as Ancajas advanced behind tight defence and purposeful punching.

The breakthrough came in the fourth round. After several minutes of calculated pressure, Ancajas drove a precisely delivered shot to the target that sent Soto to the canvas. The knockdown was a culmination of the Filipino’s disciplined body work, and although Soto beat the count, the momentum had shifted decisively. The Colombian rose bravely, but his reactions revealed the toll inflicted by Ancajas’s methodical attacks.

Entering the fifth, Ancajas sensed the opportunity to close the contest. He continued to focus on the body, working in close and refusing to allow Soto the space to recover. With each exchange, Soto’s responses grew more laboured, his movement restricted by the accumulation of punishment.

Midway through the round, Ancajas landed another telling blow to the body, producing a second knockdown. Soto tried to regain his footing, but his condition showed clear deterioration. The former champion, aware of his opponent’s vulnerability, remained disciplined, pressing forward with controlled aggression rather than reckless pursuit.

Moments later, a final series of thudding body shots forced the referee to intervene at two minutes and forty-three seconds of the fifth round, bringing an end to the contest. It was a decisive finish that reflected Ancajas’s dominance and the precision with which he executed his game plan.

Soto, to his credit, displayed grit throughout, standing up to considerable pressure and attempting to respond whenever possible. Yet he faced a fighter operating with supreme confidence, drawing on years at the sport’s highest level. Ancajas’s commitment to sustained body attacks, combined with his calculated pacing, ultimately proved an insurmountable challenge.

For Ancajas, the victory served as a reminder of his strength at the super-bantamweight limit and his ability to control proceedings from the opening bell. His measured approach, combined with clinical finishing instincts, left no doubt regarding the outcome.

In summary, the bout showcased the disciplined dominance of Jerwin Ancajas and the brave resistance of Wilner Soto.

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In one of the most riveting championship duels of the modern bantamweight era, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue and Filipino icon Nonito Donaire engaged in a 12-round firefight that left fans breathless and pundits stunned. Their November 2019 clash, part of the World Boxing Super Series finale in Saitama, Japan, wasn’t just a title unification bout—it was a gritty display of courage, adaptation, and ring intellect that would go on to claim The Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year honours.

From the opening bell, Inoue, then undefeated with a daunting KO streak, showcased precision and sharp movement, setting traps with educated jabs to disrupt Donaire’s rhythm. But the veteran, known for his destructive left hook, didn’t come to pass the torch quietly. Instead, he reminded the world why he’s a future Hall of Famer, stunning Inoue with a hook in Round 2 that fractured the Japanese star’s orbital bone and broke his nose.

Inoue, wounded but unfazed, made critical mid-fight adjustments—pivoting away from Donaire’s power hand and re-establishing control with smart lateral movement and multi-punch combinations. Yet Donaire, ever the warrior, surged back in the later rounds, exploiting angles and landing with clever timing, even turning the tide briefly with his body work and tactical pressure.

By Round 11, the damage had accumulated. Inoue delivered a crippling body assault that dropped Donaire for the first time in the fight. The Filipino Flash, battered but unbroken, rose to his feet and survived the onslaught to finish the final round, earning respect not just from the crowd—but from Inoue himself.

Though the scorecards unanimously favoured Inoue, the bout was anything but one-sided. It was a battle of wills, technique, and iron resolve—fought at the highest level of the sport.

What followed was a renewed respect between the two warriors and anticipation for a rematch that would eventually end in dramatic fashion in 2022 with Inoue stopping Donaire in two rounds, cementing his legacy and ascent to pound-for-pound supremacy.

But it was their first meeting—bloodied, bruising, and beautiful—that reminded the boxing world why championship fights are never just about belts. They’re about legacy. And that night, both men added to theirs.

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Manchester’s Phones4U Arena was a cauldron of noise on February 27, 2016, as Carl “The Jackal” Frampton and Scott Quigg finally settled years of heated negotiations with fists instead of words. Before a sell-out crowd of 20,000, Frampton claimed a split-decision victory, unifying the IBF and WBA super-bantamweight titles in one of Britain’s most anticipated domestic clashes in recent memory.

This wasn’t the wild shootout some had predicted. The early going was a chess match, with Frampton dictating pace and distance. His sharp jab and lateral movement frustrated the Bury man, who struggled to close the gap in the first half of the fight. By the midpoint, it was clear the Northern Irishman had banked the opening frames on the judges’ cards.

Quigg, spurred on by stern instructions from his corner, finally turned up the pressure in round seven. Hooks and overhand rights began to find their mark, and the contest shifted from a cautious duel into a tense battle. The 11th round was his best, rocking Frampton with a thudding right hand, but the clock was against him.

The judges returned scores of 116-112 twice for Frampton and 115-113 for Quigg, sealing a narrow but deserved win for the Belfast star. The punch stats told the story—Frampton landed more shots overall, but Quigg’s accuracy surged late, making it a closer contest than the first six rounds suggested.

The road to this fight was as fiery as the crowd that night. Negotiations had stalled for years over purse splits and venue disputes, with arguments about who was the bigger draw. Even in fight week, there were spats over dressing rooms and broadcast arrangements. Yet when the final bell rang, mutual respect replaced the bad blood—Frampton even visited Quigg’s dressing room to offer his hand.

For Frampton, the win was a career-defining moment. He not only left Manchester with two world titles but also cemented his status as one of Britain’s premier fighters. His next stop would be featherweight glory against Leo Santa Cruz. For Quigg, the night marked both his most high-profile outing and the start of a long climb back toward title contention—a climb that would ultimately fall short, though not without moments of grit and danger for future opponents.

While purists may have wished for more sustained fireworks, this was a fight steeped in high-stakes tension, tactical nuance, and national pride—one that will be remembered as much for its build-up and atmosphere as for its finely balanced twelve rounds.

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