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: Main event incoming
One fight left tonight / today / this morning, depending on where you’re following from!
It’s the main event: Naoya Inoue defending the undisputed super-bantamweight titles against TJ Doheny.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Yoshiki Takei def. Daigo Higa via unanimous decision (115-112, 114-113, 114-113).
So close, but Takei survives a knockdown to get the win and retain his belt – he looks so relieved!
Higa, meanwhile, offers a wry smile before congratulating Takei.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round 12
Final round. That knockdown could prove crucial in such a close fight! Takei surely has to finish strongly...
He backs up Higa and lands a pair of hooks. Now more offence, and Higa looks a bit worried!
Takei is trying for a finish! There are faint streaks of blood, perhaps diluted by sweat, drawn down Higa’s cheeks.
Higa is trying to hang on. He’s throwing some looping shots, but Takei is doing the more precise work.
We’ll go to the scorecards. This could be very interesting.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round 11
Into the championship rounds.
Both men are cut – Takei on his nose and Higa around his left eye.
Another rear uppercut from Takei, but Higa fires back and scores a knockdown with a left hook! Takei is complaining that it should be a slip, but no luck!
He’s back on his feet, cut over his eye now.
He gets right after Higa, trying to arrest the challenger’s momentum.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round 10
Higa invests in the body, while Takei continues to attack the head of his challenger primarily.
Higa with a grazing right cross now, then a jab.
Takei with an uppercut that half-lands, before he skips away.
Again Higa bears down on Takei, trapping him against the ropes and wearing on him.
This has been a really fun fight.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round nine
Another brutal exchange, with Higa leaning on Takei against the ropes! Both men are landing clean shots. What chins they both have.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round eight
Higa may be slowing down slightly, and Takei is doing well to stay a bit more composed than he has in certain moments.
And right as I say that... Higa with a spearing jab, and a heavy left hook! He corners Takei and leans his weight on the champion.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round seven
Another messy exchange sees both boxers land, with Takei then eating a clean jab. He was doing good work in the initial back and forth, though, mixing in uppercuts and straights.
Hard left hook by the champion now. He then showboats a little, late in the round.
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round six
Higa storms forward with his hands high, absorbing a few short shots from Takei before unloading his own offence.
Takei eats a wide left and right. His chin is pretty impressive – or has been so far, at least.
Good rear uppercut from Takei, but he’s tagged with a heavy jab immediately after.
Takei tries to reverse the position and trap Higa against the ropes, and a southpaw cross and right uppercut are on point for the champion!
Inoue vs Doheny LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Round five
Takei flicks out a jab but is countered by a slicker effort from Higa. Another stinging jab by Higa.
Nice uppercut by Takei as he looks to deter Higa, who is pressing forward relentlessly in this round.
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