Japan’s Naoya Inoue solidified his position as the undisputed world super-bantamweight champion after facing off against Irish challenger TJ Doheny in Tokyo. The fight ended unexpectedly in the seventh round when Doheny, struggling with a back injury, dropped to his knee and decided to withdraw, marking a significant win for Inoue.
The bout began with both fighters demonstrating their prowess, but it soon became apparent that Inoue’s relentless pressure would be the deciding factor. By the sixth round, Inoue’s focused bodywork began to take its toll on Doheny, whose face bore the evidence of the punishment he had endured. Despite Doheny’s attempts to make the fight difficult for the champion with his sharp movements and strategic punches, Inoue’s consistent attacks began to break down his defense.
Doheny showed resilience, particularly in the third round, where he managed to land a powerful body shot followed by a sharp left-right combination to Inoue’s head. However, this success was short-lived as the Japanese champion adjusted his strategy and began to trap Doheny on the ropes, delivering precise and powerful blows that slowly wore down the challenger.
The turning point came in the sixth round when Inoue’s persistent body shots and a well-placed overhead right visibly hurt Doheny. The Irishman appeared to clutch his lower back in pain, signaling the beginning of the end for his challenge. Just 16 seconds into the seventh round, Doheny, unable to withstand the onslaught, waved off the fight, citing an inability to continue due to his injury.
Inoue, known for his quiet confidence, celebrated his victory in a subdued manner, acknowledging the unexpected nature of the fight’s conclusion. This win marked Inoue’s 28th consecutive victory, further cementing his legacy in the boxing world. Despite the abrupt ending, Inoue praised Doheny for bringing the fight into the ring and challenging him, showing respect for his opponent’s efforts
Inoue turning up the HEAT! 🔥#InoueDoheny – Live Now pic.twitter.com/FbLu4yOcdT
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 3, 2024
