On 30th December, 2014, Japanese talent Naoya Inoue blasted out long-reigning WBO Junior Bantamweight titlist Omar Narvaez. The young, highly aggressive Inoue – who likely has his extensive Amateur pedigree to thank – knocked down the 39-year-old Argentine twice in the 1st round, equaling that number in the 2nd. Needless to say, the Tokyo crowd became more than a little excitable.
Narvaez failed to beat the ten-count following a left to the body, which incredibly makes Inoue a world champion before his 9th pro fight. Following the victory, the unbeaten Inoue climbs to 8 wins, 7 knockouts, while Narvaez falls to 43 wins, 23 knockouts, 2 losses, 2 draws.
Without question, Naoya Inoue is an exciting talent fans of boxing’s lighter guys will follow very closely. Like Guillermo Rigondeaux – who recently conquered Hisashi Amagasa – Inoue is another fighter who proves just how priceless a long, successful Amateur career can be in the Professional ranks. And at just 21-years-old – donning the ‘Monster’ alias – the best is no doubt still to come.
Pedro Guevara didn’t have it all his way against Akira Yaegashi on the undercard, but still managed to dethrone the Japanese WBC Junior Flyweight titlist. Guevara dropped Yaegashi for the count in the 7th where scorecards stood at 56-58, 57-57, 57-57.
Jorge Linares also dropped his opponent Javier Prieto for the count early in his championship fight. Linares picked up the WBC Lightweight strap after scoring the knockout at 1:50 of the 4th round. Scorecards stood at 30-27 from all three judges.
Ryo Matsumoto experienced little difficulty in shutting out Rusalee Samor in his contest, with all three judges scoring 110-99 at the time of the 12th round stoppage. Also featured on tonight’s card was Ryota Murata who scored a sound Unanimous Decision against Jessie Nicklow.
Finally, over in Osaka, Yuki Nonaka left the ring with a Split Decision over opponent Charlie Ota, capturing the Japanese Junior Middleweight title. Official scorecards came in at 97-93, 96-95, 95-96.
What are your thoughts on Narvaez vs Inoue? Let your opinions be known in the comments!
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