Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Latest boxing fight updates and results

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

• Naoya Inoue moved up to super-bantamweight to face Stephen Fulton

• Fulton defended WBC and WBO titles against Inoue in Tokyo

• Inoue entered as three-weight world champion, recently undisputed at bantamweight

• Both fighters were undefeated heading into main event at Ariake Arena

• Inoue stopped Fulton in Round 8 after dropping champion with brutal combination

• Comment: Naoya Inoue, the best boxer in the world, fights on Tuesdays

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: The best boxer in the world fights on Tuesdays

Tuesday 25 July 2023 15:33 , Alex Pattle

If you asked the average person to name their favourite day of the week, they would not name Tuesday. Monday, while generally considered to be loathed, is actually enjoyed by many for the buzz it brings; Wednesday is ‘hump day’; Thursday is the new Friday; and Friday ushers in the weekend. But Tuesday? What does it actually offer? Fifty times out of 52, not very much – I’ll grant you that. But twice a year, Tuesdays are transformed. And they are transformed by Naoya Inoue.

Sometimes, the best boxer in the world fights in Tokyo, as he did this week and in December. Sometimes, he fights in Saitama, as he did last June. He has also fought in Yokohama, and even Las Vegas and Glasgow. But nowadays, the constant is that Naoya Inoue fights on Tuesdays. It is not a day on which we are accustomed to seeing the pageantry and ceremony of world title fights, but if you haven’t joined the club already, you will need to start navigating that foreign feeling and turning on your TV, opening that fresh tab on your laptop, or turning your phone horizontally. You need to tune in.

You need to tune in because, twice a year on Tuesdays, Inoue produces the closest thing to boxing mastery that you will see. That is written with the knowledge that one of the fights of this generation – Errol Spence Jr vs Terence Crawford – awaits this weekend. In future, don’t wait for Saturdays. The best boxer in the world fights on Tuesdays.

Comment:

The best boxer in the world fights on Tuesdays

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 18:14 , Alex Pattle

Fulton, per Talksport: “I’m not feeling bad, because I’m a champion no matter what.

“I’m very disappointed in my performance, but I can’t allow that to dictate who I am as a person.

“I went out like a man, so I hold my head up like a man.”

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 16:50 , Alex Pattle

Even as he made his walk in the Ariake Arena, Naoya Inoue exuded the air of a boxer who may just retire unbeaten – just moments before facing what should have been his toughest test yet.

The Japanese has been No 1 on Indy Sport’s pound-for-pound list for some time now, with the best knockout percentage (22 from 25 unanswered wins) of any fighter in those rankings, and he does not look like he will be displaced.

If he is not at the top of your list, or near that summit, or even in your rankings at all, then chances are you haven’t tuned in to Tuesdays With Naoya Inoue.

The best boxer in the world fights on Tuesdays

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 16:24 , Alex Pattle

Stephen Fulton – a talented, accomplished, unbeaten boxer fighting a smaller man – frankly looked scared against Naoya Inoue.

The risk of entering Inoue’s range, of inviting the challenger to unload his offence, seemed too great, even to a man who has beaten every boxer to have stood across from him. The thing is, Fulton was right to be scared. Despite Inoue’s natural weight disadvantage, the home fighter absorbed Fulton’s best shots – on the rare occasions that they landed – and fired back with faster, more spiteful strikes.

In Tokyo today, there was a strong argument that Fulton did not win a single round. And after seven of them, it became a moot point anyway.

Inoue jabbed the champion in the gut, then speared him with a right cross to the face – seemingly before his left fist had even been retracted. Fulton, fighting outside his native US for the first time, might as well have been back home; it did not matter, because he did not know where he was.

As he stumbled back in a disorientating daze, Inoue showed no mercy. The very moment that Inoue realised he had Fulton hurt, he pulverised the champion with a left hook. To call it clinical would be fair, if such a word did not ignore the ugliness of the blow.

Full article:

The best boxer in the world fights on Tuesdays

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 16:09 , Alex Pattle

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 15:10 , Alex Pattle

Is WBA and IBF champion Marlon Tapales next for Inoue?

A fight between the pair would crown an undisputed champion at super-bantamweight...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 14:49 , Alex Pattle

Inoue is an example of the best that boxing has to offer, and that is written in full knowledge that one of the fights of this generation – Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford – takes place on Saturday.

How to watch Spence vs Crawford online and on TV this weekend

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 14:35 , Alex Pattle

Inoue pummeled him.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 14:20 , Alex Pattle

The speed is blistering.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 14:11 , Alex Pattle

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Inoue stops American in Round 8

Tuesday 25 July 2023 14:06 , Alex Pattle

A reminder that Inoue had never fought at this high a weight before today... and he did this to a (now former) unified champion...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:55 , Alex Pattle

Jab to the gut, right cross upstairs, left hook as Fulton stumbles away... Brutal ending to the fight.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:49 , Alex Pattle

Light-flyweight champion, unified super-flyweight champion, undisputed bantamweight champion...

Now? Unified super-bantamweight champion.

Who can beat Naoya Inoue?

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:44 , Alex Pattle

Inoue stays unbeaten while handing Fulton a first pro loss. In the process, the Japanese takes the American’s WBC and WBO super-bantamweight belts.

Inoue, 30, is a FOUR-WEIGHT world champion...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:42 , Alex Pattle

Round 8

Inoue with a clean jab to the body. Fulton nods in acknowledgement.

OH!!! Inoue hurts Fulton with a right, then drops the champion with a huge left hook as he retreats!!

Inoue climbs the turnbuckle to celebrate, but Fulton beats the count...

The action quickly resumes, and Inoue simply overwhelms Fulton with hooks to the head and body. The champion covers up in the corner, his legs start to give away, he’s slumping...

AND IT’S WAVED OFF! That was so clinical from Inoue. As soon as he hurt Fulton, he went for the finish and got it.

1:14 of Round 8.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:39 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

Fulton is having more success with his right hand. There may be a little swelling around Inoue’s left eye as a result.

Inoue isn’t happy with Fulton growing into this fight, so he gets after the champion with a combination, backing Fulton up to the ropes.

A hard right overhand lands for Inoue, but Fulton eats it. The American snaps back Inoue’s head with a piercing jab.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:35 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

Inoue catches Fulton on the end of a jab, then might have just grazed him with a right hook.

Now he steps in with a short left hook! He follows up with a right cross.

Fulton looks to arrest the momentum, blitzing Inoue with mixed success.

Fulton with some pawing jabs, then a hard left hook to the body. He avoids a wild right hook from the Japanese.

The American lands a right cross as he’s tagged by a hook late in the round.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:31 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Inoue has officially out-thrown and out-landed Fulton through four rounds.

One-two, hook, left hand from the challenger. Fulton switches stances, then back, and lands a clean one-two!

HARD right cross by Inoue! Fulton with one of his own! This is getting fun...

Two more straight shots connect for Fulton. Decent counter jab by Inoue as the champion steps into range.

Now Inoue jabs low.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:27 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Inoue makes an aggressive start to this round, coming forward and using his right hand more often than he did at this point in the last frame.

Fulton just about catches Inoue on the end of a right cross, then blocks a one-two and a hook.

Inoue jabs to the body. Same again. And *again*. A one-two misses for Fulton, who is punished by a hook in close.

Every time Fulton sets his feet, he’s tagged before he can react. Inoue is favouring straight shots to get to the American at the moment.

Now an uppercut!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:23 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Fulton’s jab is countered by a right cross from Inoue. Ridiculously quick head movement by Inoue to slip a jab.

And again. Now the home fighter blocks a one-two, before jabbing to the body. Inoue definitely looks the more comfortable fighter in there.

Fulton seems wary of committing to his entries. Inoue has shown he is the faster fighter, and there’s little in it power-wise, even though Inoue is making a debut in this higher weight class.

More jabs from Inoue. He adds a right hand to the ribs, though Fulton partially blocks.

Inoue continues to score with jabs, and Fulton is bleeding slightly around his nose and mouth.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:19 , Alex Pattle

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

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:15 , Alex Pattle

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

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:11 , Alex Pattle

HERE WE GO! Twelve rounds scheduled. How many will we see?

Let’s find out.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:10 , Alex Pattle

Fulton walked second as the champion, but Inoue is introduced second in the ring.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main-event ring walks

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:08 , Alex Pattle

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main-event ring walks

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:06 , Alex Pattle

The national anthems are complete! Onto the fighter introductions...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main-event ring walks

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:02 , Alex Pattle

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

Tuesday 25 July 2023 13:00 , Alex Pattle

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

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:57 , Alex Pattle

As the challenger, home favourite Inoue makes his walk first!

A great reaction for the “Monster”, as you’d expect.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:52 , Alex Pattle

The WBC and WBO commission representatives are in the ring. Just a few formalities before the fighters emerge.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:48 , Alex Pattle

We should’ve seen this coming... A long video package is airing before the ring walks!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:41 , Alex Pattle

T-minus five minutes until ring walks. Don’t go anywhere!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:35 , Alex Pattle

Fulton: “I just see myself being victorious, no matter how I get it done.

“Am I gonna be a realist, or am I gonna look for a knockout? When it comes, it comes.

“He’ll be comfortable. He’s in his country, he’ll be comfortable. I’m defending out there.”

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:34 , Alex Pattle

Fulton in the lead-up to this fight: “[Inoue] has his country behind him, as well as his knockout power.

“He’s a technical fighter; I’m a technical fighter. He’s a smart fighter; I’m a smart fighter.

“I feel like my fighting style is very smart – a very intelligent fighting style. I fight to my mood.”

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:25 , Alex Pattle

There is no question that Fulton marks a step-up in competition for Inoue after his last fight.

The American, 29, is unbeaten like his opponent here, holding a pro record of 21-0 (8 KOs).

“Cool Boy Steph” is a former IBO super-bantamweight champion, who won the WBO belt in January 2021 by outpointing Angelo Leo.

Fulton then collected the WBC title in November 2021 with a points victory over Brandon Figueroa.

Since then, the American has fought once, retaining his gold with a decision win against David Roman in June 2022.

It’s been a fairly long lay-off for Fulton, therefore, heading into this bout.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:16 , Alex Pattle

Here’s a look back at Inoue’s last fight, a stoppage of Paul Butler in December, which saw the Japanese become undisputed at bantamweight...

“Naoya Inoue became undisputed bantamweight champion this week by securing a TKO against Paul Butler in the 11th round.

“Inoue had the home advantage in Tokyo, and he displayed in-ring advantages throughout the main-event contest, too, toying with Butler from the opening bell. Inoue entered the Ariake Arena with an unbeaten record and never looked in danger of losing it, or his IBF, WBA and WBC titles as he sought to claim Butler’s WBO belt.

“Inoue, nicknamed the ‘Monster’, backed up the Briton for the first half of the contest, mixing up his offence with spiteful hooks to the body and piercing straight punches to the head, while Butler’s rare moments of activity did not seem to faze Inoue.

“Butler’s focus was largely on maintaining a high guard and relying on lateral movement to steer clear of Inoue, who exhibited masterful head movement when needed to stay just out of range of the 34-year-old’s sporadic attacks. As the contest wore on, a bored-looking Inoue began to taunt Butler, fighting with his hands low and his chin jutting out, inviting the WBO title holder to strike.

“Butler, whose inferior speed and power were evident, never truly opened up enough for Inoue to land the kind of counter shot that he appeared to want, however, and so the Japanese bantamweight set about finding a finish in the 10th round.

“After freezing Butler by blasting him with a brutal hook the body, Inoue unloaded a flurry of headshots on his opponent, who was backed up against the ropes. Butler covered up, crouched, then collapsed to the canvas. Moments later, the Briton was laid flat on his front, holding his head, and the referee waved off the contest.”

Naoya Inoue toys with Paul Butler to become undisputed bantamweight champion

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:09 , Alex Pattle

One of the lesser-known names on any pound-for-pound list to the more casual fan, Inoue does not lack in prowess what he may lack in profile.

Inoue has the best stoppage percentage of any fighter on our list (21 KOs from 24 wins), part of what makes him such an exciting fighter to watch – along with his effortless evasiveness, brutal body attacks, and frightening level of output.

In June 2022, the “Monster” lived up to his nickname once again by eviscerating Nonito Donaire in a rematch, having narrowly outpointed the Filipino in their first fight. With that second victory over Donaire, Inoue added the WBC belt to his collection of bantamweight titles, and he also surged to the top of this list from No 5.

The 30-year-old then stopped Paul Butler in the 11th round in December to take the WBO strap and become undisputed champion – and Asia’s first boxer to hold four world titles in a weight class at once.

The three-weight world champion has plenty left ahead of him, including this move to super-bantamweight against Fulton.

The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Main event incoming

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:05 , Alex Pattle

Inoue is Indy Sport’s pound-for-pound No 1. We appreciate that these things are very subjective, but you can read our list and reasons for Inoue’s No 1 spot right here:

The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:01 , Alex Pattle

Ramirez makes a successful first defence of the WBO featherweight title, moving to 13-1 (8 KOs).

Next up, the main event... Naoya Inoue challenges Stephen Fulton for the WBC and WBO super-bantamweight belts...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 12:00 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Ramirez gets right after Shimizu from the bell. He’s swarming his challenger, and he ultimately drops him with an uppercut!!

Shimizu just about beats the referee’s count, but as the action resumes, he’s subjected to hook after hook after hook!

Shimizu is blocking to the best of his ability, but teetering and offering no counters! The referee steps in!! It’s all over!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:57 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Shimizu blocks a cross, but he still seems to feel it through his guard. Ramirez misses with a left hook but pivots back with a right! Lovely.

Lots of jabs from both fighters. Ramirez’s are the more effective, then he adds a clean uppercut.

Both men are opening up more now, and Shimizu is forced to retreat as Ramirez unloads with hooks! Shimizu blocks as many as possible with his back on the ropes, before eventually moving away.

Clean jabs are on point for Ramirez now. Shimizu’s face is sporting significant signs of swelling.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:53 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Ramirez with a left hook to the mid-section. A jab gets through for Shimizu.

Now the home fighter jabs low. Ramirez responds with two right hooks to the head. They’re not the quickest shots, but they’re heavy.

A clubbing right hook goes around Shimizu’s guard. Ramirez now dangles his head in front of Shimizu, who is hesitant to throw.

Both fighters trade hooks upstairs, but the champion’s are the harsher punches.

The featherweights trade uppercuts in close. Brutal right hook from Ramirez! Shimizu absorbs it well...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:49 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Straight shots from Ramirez, a couple getting through and a couple testing Shimizu’s guard.

A slick counter left cross from Ramirez now! It lands clean to the head!

Still Shimizu comes forward, winging hooks into the champion’s guard. Now the Japanese opts for some straight shots, but they’re blocked as well. Ramirez seems unfazed by his challenger’s offence so far.

A cross does get through for Shimizu, who then fires a hook into the ribs. Back comes Ramirez with a hook and a straight.

Ramirez steps forward with a lancing right hook, but it’s partly blocked. Shimizu with a light right hand. He grazes Ramirez with a right hook, as the champion circles away.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:45 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Shimizu with a visible height advantage, though Ramirez is ducking early, too. He slowly follows Shimizu and flicks out some stiff jabs.

Ramirez rolls under a jab then blocks a few. He slips one and thinks about a body shot, but ultimately resists throwing.

A one-two just misses for Shimizu, but the crowd in Tokyo cheers anyway. Now he lands a one-two, though the cross is partially blocked, and Ramirez fires back with an uppercut. He squeezes it through Shimizu’s guard.

A rapid jab just about sneaks through Shimizu’s defence, too. And another. He blocks a right hook, then a one-two.

Great uppercut from the champion, as Shimizu plods forward!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:41 , Alex Pattle

Here we go!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:39 , Alex Pattle

It’s been nearly an hour since the last fight! A frustrating wait, but finally we’re going to see some more boxing.

Twelve rounds scheduled, as Cuba’s Ramirez defends the WBO featherweight title against home fighter Shimizu.

After this, it’s Inoue vs Fulton...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:36 , Alex Pattle

Now here comes the champion, Ramirez!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:33 , Alex Pattle

Shimizu walks out to “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith.

It’s an unusual choice, but Indy Sport is here for it.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:32 , Alex Pattle

Finally! Shimizu is the first to make his ring walk.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:27 , Alex Pattle

We’re seeing a lot of highlights packages ahead of this one...

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:19 , Alex Pattle

We’ve had a fair wait for this one to start. Stay tuned, the ring walks should begin shortly.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:12 , Alex Pattle

Prior to his professional career, Ramirez took home gold for Cuba at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 11:03 , Alex Pattle

Ramirez

Record: 12-1, 7 KOs

Age: 29

Stance: Southpaw

Height: 5ft 6in

Reach: 68in

Nation: Cuba

Shimizu

Record: 11-1, 10 KOs

Age: 37

Stance: Southpaw

Height: 5ft 11in

Reach: 71 & 1/2 in

Nation: Japan

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Robeisy Ramirez vs Satoshi Shimizu

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:57 , Alex Pattle

Next up is the co-main event...

Robeisy Ramirez defends the WBO featherweight title against Satoshi Shimizu!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:46 , Alex Pattle

That was a great fight. Sakama stays unbeaten at 8-0, with his seventh stoppage win.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:45 , Alex Pattle

Round 8

Final round! Horikawa has come on strong in the last few rounds. Has he done / can he do enough to snatch a win?

He catches Sakama on the end of a cross early in the round. Now a short right hand! Another long one!

Sakama sneaks in a left uppercut at close range. Both men step back then throw jabs, with Sakama having greater success.

Sakama with a great spell here! He hurts Horikawa with a left hook to the body, then another, and another! He holds Sakama, then out comes his mouthguard – some wily thinking to buy time...

It’s back in, the fight resumes, and Sakama pours on the pressure again! Horikawa takes a knee, but a knockdown isn’t ruled!

Back under way, and Sakama is still swarming Horikawa with right straights and uppercuts... and the referee steps in with 10 seconds left!! Horikawa slumps to the mat!

It seemed a slightly early stoppage – very late in the fight – but Horikawa’s physical reaction shows it was the right call!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:40 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

Penultimate round. Sakama tries to reassert himself, marching down Horikawa.

Both men land punches in the pocket. Horikawa is the more accurate fighter right now! Sakama looks a little laboured as he misses with a few shots.

An overhand right breaks through Sakama’s guard.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:36 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

Horikawa gets on the front foot at last, burying a left hook into the mid-section of Sakama, then clubbing him to the head!

This is better, more aggressive stuff from Horikawa.

Nice straight shots from Horikawa now, as he leaps forward and tags Sakama twice in quick succession.

Sakama misses with a wild overhand right. He backs up Horikawa, who pushes him away and then lands an overhand right of his own!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:32 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Sakama continues to stalk Horikawa, who is increasingly loading up on his counters in a bid to deter his opponent.

Good jabs from Horikawa now, also intended to fend off Sakama, who is unfazed.

Forward Sakama comes, with some more nice uppercuts. A great left hand catches Horikawa as he’s stepping out of the pocket.

Horikawa with a body uppercut now, though, and a flush right hand to the head! Great work.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:28 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Into the fourth round of eight. Sakama backs up Horikawa to the ropes and flicks out a series of jabs.

Horikawa sneaks a right hand around Sakama’s guard, jolting back his head. Sakama replies with a body shot, and Horikawa holds.

The pair separate, and Sakama hides a harsh left hook behind a few light, straight shots! Lovely work.

Sakama is starting to turn the screw here, mixing in some hooks and uppercuts. Wherever Horikawa goes, Sakama follows him.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:24 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Sakama looks to build on that strong end to the second round, getting on the front foot.

Horikawa with some heavy responses, though, including a couple of hard hooks to the body!

Sakama fires back upstairs, and out comes Horikawa’s mouthguard. It’s soon back in, and the action resumes.

Horikawa tries a combination, but his efforts are split by a snapping jab from Sakama.

There’s a bit of holding late in the round, as Horikawa again looks to recover slightly.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:20 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

There’s a frantic pace to this second round. Much more output from both fighters, especially on the jab.

Sakama now tags Horikawa with a clean cross! He follows up with a combination, going to the head and body and varying his shots!

Horikawa is just circling away now, trying to get some breathing room.

Sakama catches him and throws a right cross that lands flush!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:17 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both fighters stand orthodox. Sakama just misses with a swift overhand right. A jab is just wide of the mark for Horikawa.

Sakama jabs to the body now, before Horikawa fires back with a counter right cross to the head. Triple-jab by Sakama, with the second and third efforts landing.

More jabs from Sakama, but his head snaps back after a counter left hook by Horikawa!

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa

Tuesday 25 July 2023 10:06 , Alex Pattle

Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa is up next! This one is a light-flyweight bout.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Ronnie Baldonado

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:58 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

OH!! It’s all over in the third round!

Takei jabs Baldonado in the corner, then catches him with a grazing left hook to the body... After a delayed reaction, the Filipino hits the mat!

Wincing, he just fails to beat the referee’s count!

Baldonado stays unbeaten at 7-0 (7 KOs).

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Ronnie Baldonado

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:53 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Left hook and right hand from Baldonado! That right landed heavy. Now Takei fires off a double-jab and left cross.

It’s still Takei who’s on the front foot, but both fighters are landing at close range.

Baldonado skips out of a corner after being momentarily trapped by Takei again. Soon, though, he’s cornered once more.

A clubbing left hook lands for Baldonado as he tries to fend off his opponent.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE: Yoshiki Takei vs Ronnie Baldonado

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:50 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Takei stands southpaw; Baldonado orthodox. Takei backs Baldonado into the corner as both men feint jabs.

Takei then burrows a lead left hook into the body, before Baldonado circles away and just misses with a winging hook of his own.

Baldonado with a rapid cross to the head now! Takei doesn’t take that lightly, backing up Baldonado again and unfurling hooks to the body.

Again Takei has Baldonado cornered, and he dives forward with a hook that misses.

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:42 , Alex Pattle

Here is today’s card in full!

The prelim fights are in the books, and you can see those results below, as well as the upcoming bouts.

We’ll start the main card with Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa.

Full card

Stephen Fulton (C) vs Naoya Inoue (WBC and WBO super-bantamweight titles)

Robeisy Ramirez (C) vs Satoshi Shimizu (WBO featherweight title)

Kanamu Sakama vs Ryu Horikawa (light-flyweight)

Yoshiki Takei vs Ronnie Baldonado (super-bantamweight)

Taiga Imanaga def. Hebi Marapu via split decision

Hiroyuki Takahara def. Chihiro Iwashita via TKO

Masato Shinoda def. Yuki Kajitani via TKO

Kenta Yamakawa def. Ryosuke Nakamura via TKO

Takero Kitano def. Kenta Kawakami via TKO

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:38 , Alex Pattle

And here are your important timings for this morning’s card!

The main card is due to begin any moment now (more details on the fights in a moment), with ring walks for the main event expected at around 12.45pm BST.

What time does Inoue vs Fulton start today?

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:35 , Alex Pattle

We’ve got you covered with live updates from the undercard and main event today, but here’s all you need to know about how to watch the fights live:

How to watch Inoue vs Fulton online and on TV today

Inoue vs Fulton LIVE

Tuesday 25 July 2023 09:29 , Alex Pattle

Pound-for-pound phenom Naoya Inoue fights Stephen Fulton in Tokyo today, in a bid to become a four-weight world champion.

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, will carry the WBC and WBO super-bantamweight titles into the Ariake Arena, as well as an unbeaten record (21-0, 8 knockouts).

It was in the Ariake Arena that Inoue, 30, last fought, toying with Paul Butler in December before finishing the Briton to stay unbeaten (24-0, 21 KOs). Meanwhile, Fulton most recently competed in June 2022, beating David Roman on points to retain his world titles. Those belts will be on the line today, in what should be an intriguing main event.