Stephen Fulton and Naoya Inoue ready for Japanese battle

Plus, members of the boxing community make their picks

After clearing out bantamweight, Naoya Inoue moves on up and goes straight for the big dog of the 122-pound division when he clashes with Stephen Fulton next Tuesday (July 25). Both fighters are undefeated.

Fulton has proven his desire to fight the best around, in their backyards too if necessary. Initially agreeing to the Brandon Figueroa rematch after a tight first fight, once Inoue became available he jumped at the chance to travel with his belts and face ‘The Monster’.

Fulton will look to use his size and athletic abilities to offset Inoue enough to negate the power. This is not a given for Inoue. Despite his formidable blasts, the fight favourite will need to adapt. Fulton has displayed different facets to his game in the past, as well as an astute adaptability. Opting to step off and box against opponents, he stood in the trenches with the likes of Brandon Figueroa and Angelo Leo to beat them at their own games.

Inoue, meanwhile, is a fantastic fighter who possesses a range of skills alongside his brutal power. Some have tried to stand and trade with him, others have tried running around the ring. Naoya catches up with them all eventually. He passed the gut check in his first fight with Nonito Donaire as well. Soaking up some heavy bombs, battling through facial damage, before erasing the Filipino in their rematch.

I’m wavering on the outcome, as is often the case with big fights between two prime specimens. I’ll stick with my original prediction that Inoue will win a close and competitive decision that some deem controversial. Such is the finishing prowess of the mini-beast, would we even be surprised if he came out and blasted Fulton away within the first quarter? 

Primetime viewing in Japan is anything between 11am and 1pm for the UK/Ireland so it will be one for the hardcore fraternity to crank up the phone streams or work from home that day to sample the violence. Panama’s Hector Afu has been chosen as the referee. Fans may recall Afu was the third man during the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury fight. The 20-year official was accused by some of being fiddly and over officious during that eight-rounder.

There’s an interesting fight on the undercard as well which features Robeisy Ramirez making a defence of his WBO featherweight title against once-beaten Satoshi Shimizu. 

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BOXING NUTTERS MAKE THEIR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS

I recently called out to the Boxing Nutters Messenger Group over at Patreon to let us know how they see it going. Here’s what they came up with…

Gary T

Inoue points for me. But a tricky one to pick. Ultimately it comes down to my belief that Inoue has been in with higher level opponents, and has previously demonstrated the ability to bite down on the gum shield and find a solution when the shit hits the fan. I think Fulton is fantastic. And see no reason he CAN'T pull it off. But the evidence I have to my mind is points to the Japanese.

Mikey T

Inoue between rounds 8 and 12 for me. Both excellent technicians, but the power will be the difference ultimately.

Danny Y

This is a great fight and as much as I rate Fulton I think Inoue is the slicker mover and puncher but not by much. I can envisage moments when they both come together that it will be fireworks and then it will be who comes out better on those close exchanges but I think Inoue's speed and timing will just edge it. Watch for Inoue's left hook potentially being quite effective.

My prediction is Inoue on points in a close decision.

Dr FMG

Fulton points. ……Or I’ve completely wasted another $3 on a Hail Mary parlay.

Des M

I like both guys. Fulton is a road warrior. I’ve so much respect for world class Philly fighters. They can do it both ways, fight & box. It’s how they’re taught and Fulton is a brilliant example of that. Inoue’s reach disadvantage will keep him close to Fulton throughout and Fulton will be forced to fight. The step up in weight will go for Inoue and although Fulton is strong he isn’t a puncher. Anyone who holds their feet, stands & fights with Inoue will get stopped. So for me this fight is a choice between Fulton’s feet against Inoue’s hands. Inoue by stoppage.

Matt B

Inoue on points to me in a close round either way type affair with potentially a knockdown thrown in. Fulton is a fantastic fighter and has every ability to box and move, as well as walking through fire at times against big punchers. I think he'll avoid being stopped and maybe win enough rounds to feel hard done by the result - but Inoue's power is monstrous. I truly think this is a fight between an elite fighter and a generational great. Unfortunately it's fine margins and I think the generational great will just have a bit more about him. A bit more dog. Inoue on points.

Ryan D

Inoue steamrolls him.

Dave

Inoue points.

Nathan N

Inoue late stoppage for me. Fulton is a fantastically skilled fighter and will come to win, which I believe will be his downfall down the stretch.

Hatem

Must confess I haven't seen much of Fulton #casual

Kevin

I’ll take a KO for Inoue. Should be cracker from two of the best. I can see Fulton on the canvas looking up with that look, like what the fuck was that. Referee stoppage.

Patrick

Fulton points (close).⁩  I think he’s good enough to stay out of the way whilst landing scoring shots.

Final Tally:

Inoue 9

Fulton 2

Casual: 1

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Thanks for reading! Drop a little heart or even a comment if you get a minute. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Speak to you all next week…

About Steve: Experienced boxing writer, author of 8 books and podcaster of over 400 eps. 20 years in the sport. Covered hundreds of shows for newspapers and Boxing News magazine. Chief video script writer for Motivedia channel and BN+. For enquiries: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com.