Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Latest fight updates and results as injury hands champion victory in Tokyo
Re-live the action after Naoya Inoue retained the undisputed super-bantamweight belts against TJ Doheny
Naoya Inoue retained his undisputed super-bantamweight titles against TJ Doheny on Tuesday, as the Irishman suffered an injury in Tokyo.
Inoue had started patiently but began to shift through the gears when Doheny clutched at his hip or lower back in round seven, leading the fight to be waved off.
The southpaw, 37, let out a “F***!” in the Ariake Arena, before limping over to apologise to Inoue, 31.
The result kept Inoue, arguably the No 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, unbeaten. It also ensured that the Japanese superstar retained his belts at super-bantamweight, following his world-title reigns in three other divisions.
Re-live updates and results from Inoue vs Doheny and the undercard, below.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Round seven
Oh, no! It’s waved off early in round seven due to injury! What a shame.
Doheny dropped to one knee, before trying to drag himself up.
“F***!” he yelled, before limping over to Inoue.
He appeared to point to his hip, but it initially seemed to be a leg injury.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Round six
Inoue is just wide with a cross, as he pressures Doheny. Heavy right hook to the body, then one up top! Lovely work.
Doheny blocks the worst of it, but he grimaces anyway. The 37-year-old is feeling the pace now.
Left hook to the body by Inoue. This body work is surely going to pay off...
A cross lands there now. Doheny with one of his own, but he’s breathing with his mouth open. He’s staggered slightly by a hook to the head.
A barrage by Inoue late in the round! He’s going through the gears now!
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Round five
Now it’s Doheny who comes forward. He lands a cross before grabbing Inoue.
Inoue blocks a series of jabs. He’s waiting for a counter opportunity, it seems.
He moves off the ropes, and Doheny slaps a right hook to the body of the champion.
Grazing jabs by Inoue, who backs up Doheny and fires off shots to the head. But Doheny defends well.
Brutal uppercuts to the body by Inoue. Now a left hook to the ribs.
Inoue is increasing the tempo here – he needed this.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Round four
Jab to the mid-section by Inoue. A cross to the head is on point for Doheny, and a left hook!
Inoue with a left hook of his own. He’s beginning to increase his activity. A jab stings Doheny.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Round three
Inoue stays on the front foot. Each man has his lead hand extended, buzzing in his opponent’s face like a fly.
Now Inoue blocks a southpaw cross from Doheny. A counter jab by Inoue is just off-target.
Inoue feints while darting into range, and Doheny lurches backwards.
A cross just about lands for Doheny now, and Inoue acknowledges a grazing left hook. Uppercut to the body by Doheny, then a flurry of short shots to the head.
Doheny is boxing well in this round. Inoue is staying patient.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Round two
Inoue parries that lead hand of Doheny time and again, trying to show he’s not bothered by it.
Hard cross to the body now, by Inoue, and Doheny falls back into the ropes before desperately trying to regain composure.
He’s trapped in the corner, though, and Inoue is looking for another opening. He just misses with a cross upstairs this time.
Doheny blocks a one-two then lands a pawing jab. He defends a cross to the body with his forearm. Inoue with a flurry in the corner, but Doheny covers up quite well.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE
Round one
Doheny stands southpaw, Inoue orthodox. Doheny, a former world champion, has never been stopped. Inoue will look to change that tonight.
Doheny flicks out his lead hand early on, trying to gauge range. Inoue is stone-faced but visibly the smaller man in there.
The Japanese star corners the Irishman but is not opening up much yet. The crowd is quiet and respectful, as they tend to be at these shows in Tokyo.
Now Inoue fires off a cross to the body. He continues to stalk Doheny, who is keeping an active lead right hand.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Fighter introductions
Now the legendary Jimmy Lennon Jr carries out the fighter introductions.
Inoue is staying light on his feet, moving his gloves and head as well.
And here we go...
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Ring walks
Right then, Doheny makes his way to the ring in the Ariake Arena, and now it’s Inoue’s turn!
The main event is just moments away...
Now the Irish national anthem is under way. Doheny looks stoic and focused.
Onto the Japanese anthem.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Steve Bunce preview
“It is possible that Naoya Inoue is the very best boxer in the world right now. He is certainly the best boxer you have never heard of or seen fight.
“He won his first world title 10 years ago, has added world titles at three different weights, and has stopped or knocked out 24 of the 27 men he has met in professional fights.
“This morning in Japan, Inoue will have his 23rd world title fight when he defends his super-bantamweight titles against the tough Irish-Australian, TJ Doheny. It will be over by about round six.”
Read Steve Bunce’s fight preview in full, right here:
The best boxer alive is a fighter you’ve probably never heard of
Inoue has been a one-man revolution in Japanese boxing, but his reach has extended globally in recent years
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