[Boxing] Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue | WBC & WBO 122 lbs bout | July 25

[BitcoinPanther]

something I noticed when I went to research more information about this fight is that most of the comments on the news sites where they talk about this fight people are giving Naoya Inoue as the guy who will win this fight without much difficulty, some even believe that the Naoya Inoue will win even before reaching the 4th round, anyway I also think and I will bet on Naoya Inoue to win this fight.

Naoya Inoue's performance in his previous division make this insights possible.  Inoue is a monster in his previous division and since his current division is just another 4 lbs heavier, many thinks that Inoue can retain his speed and has more power since he will become more robust and does not need extra training to trim his weight.  This will save him from exhaustion due training and more likely will give him more strength due to added mass.

I saw that the fight could be in April, I saw it on this site:

By Craig Daly: Naoya Inoue and WBC & WBO super bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton are in the works for April, says promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank.

source: https://www.boxingnews24.com/2023/01/naoya-inoue-vs-stephen-fulton-possible-for-april-says-bob-arum/

to be honest I don't know how far this news can have some truth, maybe it's just speculation or intention to make the fight not be in May and be earlier something like in April, in short it's April or May the most important thing is that the fight happens

I believe the fight had been set, just need for the two parties to sign an agreement.  Either way, I am also thinking that Inoue has the upperhand in this fight.

[Silberman]

It's already understood that he is the crowd favorite because he is a very popular fighter. Per https://www.ringtv.com/ratings/, Inoue is ranked number 2 in the pound for pound ranking, that's how popular he is, and as he keeps winning impressively, eventually he will get the top spot. I don't know, maybe other source will already give him the number 1 spot.

I guess not that easy because Canelo Alvarez is still holding his throne and that won't be easy for Inoue to replace, although I know his time will come sooner because he's much younger than Canelo and eventually he will replace him. Aside from that, the only possible way for Inoue to get the P4P King title is if Canelo will have another defeat.

Back to the fight, this will be indeed a challenge for Fulton and I'm excited what would be his move against Inoue because he's still the champion here and I expect that he will not give that belt easily as Fulton himself wanted this fight before he jumps to the next weight class.

On most rankings lists that I have seen recently Inoue already outranks Canelo and he is only outranked by Usyk, and in some rankings Crawford appears ahead of him while on others Inoue is already ahead of him, however I do not see Usyk unifying all the belts at the heavyweight division if he has to fight against Fury, however Inoue could do this at the super bantamweight, which in my mind it will make him the best boxer pound for pound.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

It's already understood that he is the crowd favorite because he is a very popular fighter. Per https://www.ringtv.com/ratings/, Inoue is ranked number 2 in the pound for pound ranking, that's how popular he is, and as he keeps winning impressively, eventually he will get the top spot. I don't know, maybe other source will already give him the number 1 spot.

I guess not that easy because Canelo Alvarez is still holding his throne and that won't be easy for Inoue to replace, although I know his time will come sooner because he's much younger than Canelo and eventually he will replace him. Aside from that, the only possible way for Inoue to get the P4P King title is if Canelo will have another defeat.

Back to the fight, this will be indeed a challenge for Fulton and I'm excited what would be his move against Inoue because he's still the champion here and I expect that he will not give that belt easily as Fulton himself wanted this fight before he jumps to the next weight class.

On most rankings lists that I have seen recently Inoue already outranks Canelo and he is only outranked by Usyk, and in some rankings Crawford appears ahead of him while on others Inoue is already ahead of him, however I do not see Usyk unifying all the belts at the heavyweight division if he has to fight against Fury, however Inoue could do this at the super bantamweight, which in my mind it will make him the best boxer pound for pound.

Yeah, it's going to be subjective if you are talking about pound for pound list, but Inoue should be in top of it as he has destroying everyone in unifying his belt. Canelo lost to Bivol last year, Usyk beat Joshua but the biggest fish to fry is Fury and it's hard to see him winning against the Gypsy king. Spence and Crawford didn't fight.

So in the lower weights and probably in boxing in general, Inoue should be the number 1 know and he could be another division champion in his next fight. So it's hard to beat that one.

[danherbias07]

It's already understood that he is the crowd favorite because he is a very popular fighter. Per https://www.ringtv.com/ratings/, Inoue is ranked number 2 in the pound for pound ranking, that's how popular he is, and as he keeps winning impressively, eventually he will get the top spot. I don't know, maybe other source will already give him the number 1 spot.

I guess not that easy because Canelo Alvarez is still holding his throne and that won't be easy for Inoue to replace, although I know his time will come sooner because he's much younger than Canelo and eventually he will replace him. Aside from that, the only possible way for Inoue to get the P4P King title is if Canelo will have another defeat.

Back to the fight, this will be indeed a challenge for Fulton and I'm excited what would be his move against Inoue because he's still the champion here and I expect that he will not give that belt easily as Fulton himself wanted this fight before he jumps to the next weight class.

On most rankings lists that I have seen recently Inoue already outranks Canelo and he is only outranked by Usyk, and in some rankings Crawford appears ahead of him while on others Inoue is already ahead of him, however I do not see Usyk unifying all the belts at the heavyweight division if he has to fight against Fury, however Inoue could do this at the super bantamweight, which in my mind it will make him the best boxer pound for pound.

I agree. This will probably shut down all the doubts about him. Because whether we like it or not, there are still fans that think he is just good at his own weight class where he dominated but not on this one.
Well, that also determines that he still has something to prove and he should take it in an optimistic way. There's still a challenge, the competition is still broad, there are very good boxers in this weight that he entered and he should get past them first.
I am watching different analysts on this bout and it is still a mixed prediction about what will happen on fight night.
Around 60 percent (my watched analysis) are vouching that Inoue will win it and the rest for Stephen Fulton.
For gamblers, it's a good sign, we don't like a 1.03 - 1.10 odds being listed as we cannot make our bets for the favorite.

[Botnake]

Yeah, it's going to be subjective if you are talking about pound for pound list, but Inoue should be in top of it as he has destroying everyone in unifying his belt. Canelo lost to Bivol last year, Usyk beat Joshua but the biggest fish to fry is Fury and it's hard to see him winning against the Gypsy king. Spence and Crawford didn't fight.

Agree with you, Inoue has a better journey compared to Usyk whom I'm sure will not beat Fury. He maybe is the active boxer now, but once they will face Fury, I know it will be another easy win by Fury. While Inoue, he was really dominating the division he has won being a unified champion, now he move up and will be threatening the champion to take their belts.

So in the lower weights and probably in boxing in general, Inoue should be the number 1 know and he could be another division champion in his next fight. So it's hard to beat that one.

There's no question that he is the number 1.

[harizen]

to be honest I don't know how far this news can have some truth, maybe it's just speculation or intention to make the fight not be in May and be earlier something like in April, in short it's April or May the most important thing is that the fight happens

Actually, the speculated months on when this fight will fall are April, May, and June. When I created this topic it was just that May is the one highlighted.

There's no official date yet but as far as the recent progress is concerned, it might be April. But not until an official announcement has been made, I won't change yet the thread title. I'm just waiting for the official announcement.

Referring to Bob Arum's statement a few days ago, their Japan partners are the ones doing the work on the negotiation and April might be the month.

[goinmerry]

While Inoue, he was really dominating the division he has won being a unified champion, now he move up and will be threatening the champion to take their belts.

It's worth noting that Stephen Fulton is also planning to move up to 126 lbs even prior to this negotiation with Naoya Inoue. Actually, not just a plan for him but Fulton already taking steps to reach and maintain that weight. I do hope that it won't affect his training to keep shape at 122 lbs even already doing training courses to fully shape at 126 lbs.

Even a pound inch or two is struggling to do and can affect the boxer's performance a day before the fight. Although I believed that the several months left before Fulton face Inoue is enough to get physically fit again at 122 lbs. He's a champion after all.

[Baofeng]

While Inoue, he was really dominating the division he has won being a unified champion, now he move up and will be threatening the champion to take their belts.

It's worth noting that Stephen Fulton is also planning to move up to 126 lbs even prior to this negotiation with Naoya Inoue. Actually, not just a plan for him but Fulton already taking steps to reach and maintain that weight. I do hope that it won't affect his training to keep shape at 122 lbs even already doing training courses to fully shape at 126 lbs.

Even a pound inch or two is struggling to do and can affect the boxer's performance a day before the fight. Although I believed that the several months left before Fulton face Inoue is enough to get physically fit again at 122 lbs. He's a champion after all.

Yeah, he is supposed to fight Fulton in a rematch but it's 126 lbs division.

But it's as total change of heart from Fulton himself, he wanted to test Inoue and probably there are more money offered to him in this fight that's why he elected to defend his belt (maybe for the last time).

So in any case, we should give credit to Fulton for stepping up and not going into full featherweight class. He might have hard time making 122 lbs, but with the help of his team and a good nutritionist, he could make the weight safe.

[carlisle1]

While Inoue, he was really dominating the division he has won being a unified champion, now he move up and will be threatening the champion to take their belts.

It's worth noting that Stephen Fulton is also planning to move up to 126 lbs even prior to this negotiation with Naoya Inoue. Actually, not just a plan for him but Fulton already taking steps to reach and maintain that weight. I do hope that it won't affect his training to keep shape at 122 lbs even already doing training courses to fully shape at 126 lbs.

Even a pound inch or two is struggling to do and can affect the boxer's performance a day before the fight. Although I believed that the several months left before Fulton face Inoue is enough to get physically fit again at 122 lbs. He's a champion after all.

Yeah, he is supposed to fight Fulton in a rematch but it's 126 lbs division.

But it's as total change of heart from Fulton himself, he wanted to test Inoue and probably there are more money offered to him in this fight that's why he elected to defend his belt (maybe for the last time).

So in any case, we should give credit to Fulton for stepping up and not going into full featherweight class. He might have hard time making 122 lbs, but with the help of his team and a good nutritionist, he could make the weight safe.

I'm more with the money that he can gain fighting Inoue. He's ready to move up, but he chose to stay and try defending his title against
Inoue, it's really interesting to see if how both champs will take pride in these fights.

More on how preparation will be for both Inoue and Fulton, fans will surely enjoy watching both fighters as it's another remarkable
fight this year.

[Kemarit]

While Inoue, he was really dominating the division he has won being a unified champion, now he move up and will be threatening the champion to take their belts.

It's worth noting that Stephen Fulton is also planning to move up to 126 lbs even prior to this negotiation with Naoya Inoue. Actually, not just a plan for him but Fulton already taking steps to reach and maintain that weight. I do hope that it won't affect his training to keep shape at 122 lbs even already doing training courses to fully shape at 126 lbs.

Even a pound inch or two is struggling to do and can affect the boxer's performance a day before the fight. Although I believed that the several months left before Fulton face Inoue is enough to get physically fit again at 122 lbs. He's a champion after all.

Yeah, he is supposed to fight Fulton in a rematch but it's 126 lbs division.

But it's as total change of heart from Fulton himself, he wanted to test Inoue and probably there are more money offered to him in this fight that's why he elected to defend his belt (maybe for the last time).

So in any case, we should give credit to Fulton for stepping up and not going into full featherweight class. He might have hard time making 122 lbs, but with the help of his team and a good nutritionist, he could make the weight safe.

I'm more with the money that he can gain fighting Inoue. He's ready to move up, but he chose to stay and try defending his title against
Inoue, it's really interesting to see if how both champs will take pride in these fights.

More on how preparation will be for both Inoue and Fulton, fans will surely enjoy watching both fighters as it's another remarkable
fight this year.

Yes, the experience and the money that goes fighting Inoue in his hometown. And maybe his pride as well to test himself against the best that's why he can't get away from this opportunity to fight. As compare to his rematch with Figueroa who he has beaten already, although this time it will be on the contested weight of 126.

So it make sense for Stephen Fulton to just go with Inoue, even if he is the big underdog, at least he will have his time and see if he can pull the biggest upset in this division if ever he can break Inoue.

[Sanitough]

Yes, the experience and the money that goes fighting Inoue in his hometown. And maybe his pride as well to test himself against the best that's why he can't get away from this opportunity to fight. As compare to his rematch with Figueroa who he has beaten already, although this time it will be on the contested weight of 126.

So it make sense for Stephen Fulton to just go with Inoue, even if he is the big underdog, at least he will have his time and see if he can pull the biggest upset in this division if ever he can break Inoue.

That's the right mentality of a real warrior, he is always up for a new challenge, Inoue might be a very good fighter, but as long as Fulton will work hard to prepare for the fight, I'm sure he has a chance of pulling a big upset. They haven't fought yet, so we have no idea what will happen, our only basis on our predictions are their respective past fights and quality of opponents.

[virasisog]

Yes, the experience and the money that goes fighting Inoue in his hometown. And maybe his pride as well to test himself against the best that's why he can't get away from this opportunity to fight. As compared to his rematch with Figueroa who he has beaten already, although this time it will be on the contested weight of 126.

So it makes sense for Stephen Fulton to just go with Inoue, even if he is the big underdog, at least he will have his time and see if he can pull the biggest upset in this division if ever he can break Inoue.

That's the right mentality of a real warrior, he is always up for a new challenge, Inoue might be a very good fighter, but as long as Fulton will work hard to prepare for the fight, I'm sure he has a chance of pulling a big upset. They haven't fought yet, so we have no idea what will happen, our only basis for our predictions is their respective past fights and the quality of their opponents.

Inoue has shown us a lot during his previous fight but if we know Fulton, he also gives his best shot inside the ring.
He shouldn't miss this chance to prove himself again because it's another huge opportunity for him to showcase his capability because Inoue will be his big challenger.
It's hard to predict actually because it seems like they are both preparing hard for this upcoming fight.

[Shamm]

Yes, the experience and the money that goes fighting Inoue in his hometown. And maybe his pride as well to test himself against the best that's why he can't get away from this opportunity to fight. As compared to his rematch with Figueroa who he has beaten already, although this time it will be on the contested weight of 126.

So it makes sense for Stephen Fulton to just go with Inoue, even if he is the big underdog, at least he will have his time and see if he can pull the biggest upset in this division if ever he can break Inoue.

That's the right mentality of a real warrior, he is always up for a new challenge, Inoue might be a very good fighter, but as long as Fulton will work hard to prepare for the fight, I'm sure he has a chance of pulling a big upset. They haven't fought yet, so we have no idea what will happen, our only basis for our predictions is their respective past fights and the quality of their opponents.

Inoue has shown us a lot during his previous fight but if we know Fulton, he also gives his best shot inside the ring.
He shouldn't miss this chance to prove himself again because it's another huge opportunity for him to showcase his capability because Inoue will be his big challenger.
It's hard to predict actually because it seems like they are both preparing hard for this upcoming fight.

Both fighter are good, both fighter showed us how they play and without a doubt Stephen Fulton. Is a strong guy he is a good boxer with a good record his previous fight is good as well he do his best. While in his opponent we all know who is Naoya Inoue when you see him for the first time you can say that he is a loser because of a humble and face and have a natural body bit in the ring he prove that we are all wrong. And he release the monster inside his body any shock the world .

[stadus]

Yes, the experience and the money that goes fighting Inoue in his hometown. And maybe his pride as well to test himself against the best that's why he can't get away from this opportunity to fight. As compared to his rematch with Figueroa who he has beaten already, although this time it will be on the contested weight of 126.

So it makes sense for Stephen Fulton to just go with Inoue, even if he is the big underdog, at least he will have his time and see if he can pull the biggest upset in this division if ever he can break Inoue.

That's the right mentality of a real warrior, he is always up for a new challenge, Inoue might be a very good fighter, but as long as Fulton will work hard to prepare for the fight, I'm sure he has a chance of pulling a big upset. They haven't fought yet, so we have no idea what will happen, our only basis for our predictions is their respective past fights and the quality of their opponents.

Inoue has shown us a lot during his previous fight but if we know Fulton, he also gives his best shot inside the ring.
He shouldn't miss this chance to prove himself again because it's another huge opportunity for him to showcase his capability because Inoue will be his big challenger.
It's hard to predict actually because it seems like they are both preparing hard for this upcoming fight.

Both fighter are good, both fighter showed us how they play and without a doubt Stephen Fulton. Is a strong guy he is a good boxer with a good record his previous fight is good as well he do his best. While in his opponent we all know who is Naoya Inoue when you see him for the first time you can say that he is a loser because of a humble and face and have a natural body bit in the ring he prove that we are all wrong. And he release the monster inside his body any shock the world .

Indeed mate I can't help but laugh because I share the same sentiment that if you are seeing Inoue for the first time, you will have that impression that this man might not last eight straight rounds in the ring especially if it's a toe-to-toe fight because he's body built is somehow different. But when the fight starts, you will notice that his punches are so packed like he's having Beterbiev's power inserted in his small body.

Back to the topic, this will be a fun fight and I hope this will be a slug fest to see who's who as soon as possible. Both fighters asked for this fight and fortunately, it's going smoothly.

[freedomgo]

I just hate to think about some negativities as there could be some problems along the way, knowing that Fulton's promoter, Al Haymon is unpredictable.

Actually, both promoters are unpredictable and can ruin the possibility of this to happened. For now, it's good that it's almost a done deal.

I hope though that no such thing as sudden bad news will happen on the way or else, we won't witness one of the best fights this year. Just recently, Moloney vs Donaire failed to materialize even though the probability for that to happen is almost at 100%.

I hope this fight won't end up like that.

I just found out today as well that the Donaire-Moloney fight will not happen anymore because Moloney's camp has withdrawn from the invitation without any information disclosed, right? So for now, WBC is finding another boxer to replace Moloney's place to fight at the WBC belt that was vacated by Inoue.

I've searched for some names that is in the WBC's rankings and a name of Emmanuel Rodriguez [21W (13 KOs)- 2L (1 KO)] popped as the nearest candidate and possible dancing partner. If he will be named, it's safe to assume that Donaire will have a quite easy journey in holding the title again.

[Russlenat]

I just hate to think about some negativities as there could be some problems along the way, knowing that Fulton's promoter, Al Haymon is unpredictable.

Actually, both promoters are unpredictable and can ruin the possibility of this to happened. For now, it's good that it's almost a done deal.

I hope though that no such thing as sudden bad news will happen on the way or else, we won't witness one of the best fights this year. Just recently, Moloney vs Donaire failed to materialize even though the probability for that to happen is almost at 100%.

I hope this fight won't end up like that.

I just found out today as well that the Donaire-Moloney fight will not happen anymore because Moloney's camp has withdrawn from the invitation without any information disclosed, right? So for now, WBC is finding another boxer to replace Moloney's place to fight at the WBC belt that was vacated by Inoue.

I've searched for some names that is in the WBC's rankings and a name of Emmanuel Rodriguez [21W (13 KOs)- 2L (1 KO)] popped as the nearest candidate and possible dancing partner. If he will be named, it's safe to assume that Donaire will have a quite easy journey in holding the title again.

Emmanuel Rodriguez would be happy to fight Donaire because Donaire beat Gaballo, the fighter who beat him in a controversial fight, so if  Emmanuel Rodriguez will beat Donaire, that would be hitting 2 birds with one stone for him, he does not need to fight Gaballo again. Well, Donaire might be the favorite here but I don't want to underestimate Rodriguez because he is a decent fighter too.

[Taskford]

Yes, the experience and the money that goes fighting Inoue in his hometown. And maybe his pride as well to test himself against the best that's why he can't get away from this opportunity to fight. As compared to his rematch with Figueroa who he has beaten already, although this time it will be on the contested weight of 126.

So it makes sense for Stephen Fulton to just go with Inoue, even if he is the big underdog, at least he will have his time and see if he can pull the biggest upset in this division if ever he can break Inoue.

That's the right mentality of a real warrior, he is always up for a new challenge, Inoue might be a very good fighter, but as long as Fulton will work hard to prepare for the fight, I'm sure he has a chance of pulling a big upset. They haven't fought yet, so we have no idea what will happen, our only basis for our predictions is their respective past fights and the quality of their opponents.

Inoue has shown us a lot during his previous fight but if we know Fulton, he also gives his best shot inside the ring.
He shouldn't miss this chance to prove himself again because it's another huge opportunity for him to showcase his capability because Inoue will be his big challenger.
It's hard to predict actually because it seems like they are both preparing hard for this upcoming fight.

Both fighter are good, both fighter showed us how they play and without a doubt Stephen Fulton. Is a strong guy he is a good boxer with a good record his previous fight is good as well he do his best. While in his opponent we all know who is Naoya Inoue when you see him for the first time you can say that he is a loser because of a humble and face and have a natural body bit in the ring he prove that we are all wrong. And he release the monster inside his body any shock the world .

Indeed mate I can't help but laugh because I share the same sentiment that if you are seeing Inoue for the first time, you will have that impression that this man might not last eight straight rounds in the ring especially if it's a toe-to-toe fight because he's body built is somehow different. But when the fight starts, you will notice that his punches are so packed like he's having Beterbiev's power inserted in his small body.

Back to the topic, this will be a fun fight and I hope this will be a slug fest to see who's who as soon as possible. Both fighters asked for this fight and fortunately, it's going smoothly.

Its the same with Pacquaio you will just think about that he is weak in the first glance but surprisingly he brought some great power in his body. Inoue change when fight is on since he became fierce which his opponent can afraid of especially when they receive a heavy body punch. I never knew this guy before but he really surprise the boxing scene with great power and speed for sure we can see more great career for this fighter because its like he's a complete package fighter.

[Baofeng]

Yes, the experience and the money that goes fighting Inoue in his hometown. And maybe his pride as well to test himself against the best that's why he can't get away from this opportunity to fight. As compare to his rematch with Figueroa who he has beaten already, although this time it will be on the contested weight of 126.

So it make sense for Stephen Fulton to just go with Inoue, even if he is the big underdog, at least he will have his time and see if he can pull the biggest upset in this division if ever he can break Inoue.

That's the right mentality of a real warrior, he is always up for a new challenge, Inoue might be a very good fighter, but as long as Fulton will work hard to prepare for the fight, I'm sure he has a chance of pulling a big upset. They haven't fought yet, so we have no idea what will happen, our only basis on our predictions are their respective past fights and quality of opponents.

Of course, we can only predict base on the fighters last fight, Inoue won over Donaire in just 2 rounds, while Fulton had to go hard and toe to toe against Figueroa and won on a decision.

So based on that fight alone, we can speculate that Inoue will be the favorite and could win by a knockout or technical knockout as he has the punching power in here although Fulton is the natural 126 pounder and the champion. And the quality of opponents of Inoue as well is better than Fulton.

[Botnake]

While Inoue, he was really dominating the division he has won being a unified champion, now he move up and will be threatening the champion to take their belts.

It's worth noting that Stephen Fulton is also planning to move up to 126 lbs even prior to this negotiation with Naoya Inoue. Actually, not just a plan for him but Fulton already taking steps to reach and maintain that weight. I do hope that it won't affect his training to keep shape at 122 lbs even already doing training courses to fully shape at 126 lbs.

Even a pound inch or two is struggling to do and can affect the boxer's performance a day before the fight. Although I believed that the several months left before Fulton face Inoue is enough to get physically fit again at 122 lbs. He's a champion after all.

Of course, we know that he is a champion but Inoue does not care, he will be continuing with his mission in defeating his opponents in a dominant passion. I would not even be surprise if Inoue winning via KO will have a lower odds than him winning via decision. This is a big fight for Inoue, and we can assure he will not underestimate Fulton, and he will also assure us an entertaining fight if Fulton will dance with him well in the ring.

[harizen]

This is a big fight for Inoue, and we can assure he will not underestimate Fulton, and he will also assure us an entertaining fight if Fulton will dance with him well in the ring.

In fairness to Naoya Inoue, no such behavior on him taking his fights lightly.

He never underestimates his opponents and in fact, his Knock Out rate is proof that he is serious in his fights regardless of the status of his opponents. Chasing more titles, Inoue is surely the most aggressive fighter here compare to Fulton that has already had several plans in line prior to Inoue moving up so he decided to change plans and choose to fight Inoue first.

Inoue also mentioned in an interview that Fulton so far is the biggest challenge in his career therefore expect the Japanese monster to go all-out on this match.