Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Latest boxing fight updates and results
Re-live updates from the super-bantamweight title fight in Tokyo
Pound-for-pound phenom Naoya Inoue took apart Stephen Fulton in Tokyo today, becoming a four-weight world champion in the process.
Japanese superstar Inoue – a former light-flyweight champion and unified title holder at super-flyweight – achieved undisputed status at bantamweight in 2022, before vacating those titles to set up this clash with Fulton. The American, 29, carried the WBC and WBO super-bantamweight titles into the Ariake Arena on Tuesday, as well as an unbeaten record (21-0, 8 knockouts).
But Fulton lost all of those accolades as he was beaten to nearly every punch by Inoue, 30, in their main-event clash, which ended in Round 8 after the Japanese dropped the champion with a brutal left hook. Although Fulton beat the referee’s count, he was soon overwhelmed by Inoue, who forced the referee to step in and wave off the fight.
Re-live updates and results from Inoue vs Fulton and the undercard fights, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event
Round 2
Rapid jab by Inoue, then a right cross. Now a left hook to the body. Fulton looks a bit startled right now, it must be said.
It’s his first fight outside the US, but I’m sure any anxious feelings relate more to the “Monster” bearing down on him.
Now Fulton tries to get back on the front foot, but the challenger counters with some hooks to the body. Then Inoue jabs up top and to the body, switching targets quickly.
Hard jab to the midriff by Inoue, who is showing patience now, waiting for Fulton to open up.
Double-jab, right hand from Inoue, who follows up with a harsh hook. Fulton avoids the worst of it while circling away.
Inoue backs up the American late in the round.
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event
Round 1
Both fighters stand orthodox. Inoue’s hands are low. He jabs to the body, and again.
It’s Fulton who has taken the centre of the ring, though. He sees a left hook parried, before he lands a jab to the body.
Now it’s Inoue who is gently pressing forward. The Japanese sees a right overhand blocked, then he steps in on a left hook.
Fulton circles away. Both fighters miss in a nervy exchange. They briefly grapple, before the referee separates them.
Inoue jabs to the body, before chasing the champion and missing with a leaping hook.
The boxers clinch again, and Inoue is proactive in hammering some hooks into Fulton’s head.
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event
HERE WE GO! Twelve rounds scheduled. How many will we see?
Let’s find out.
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event
Fulton walked second as the champion, but Inoue is introduced second in the ring.
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main-event ring walks
The national anthems are complete! Onto the fighter introductions...
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main-event ring walks
Now here comes the champion! In most situations like this, the home crowd would be adversarial towards the foreign fighter, but the audience in Tokyo is respectful towards Fulton.
Apparently his walkout song is a remix of the entrance music used by Japanese WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura! A nice tribute.
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main-event ring walks
Inoue with a (fairly aggressive!) fist bump to a young fan in the front row. You love to see it, that will have made the boy’s year.
Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main-event ring walks
As the challenger, home favourite Inoue makes his walk first!
A great reaction for the “Monster”, as you’d expect.
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