Naoya Inoue destroyed Emmanuel Rodriguez, obliterating the previously undefeated Puerto Rican inside two rounds to capture the IBF bantamweight championship and advancing to the finals of the World-Boxing Super-Series in the process.
The Monster is now a legitimate three-weight world champion and has undoubtedly bolstered his pound-for-pound credentials with a clinical stoppage victory over a skilled and seasoned world champion.
The champion started the bout in lively fashion on the front foot, presumably attempting to impose his superior size and strength on the Japanese superstar, but paid dearly for his swashbuckling approach in the second round when a nonchalant left hook dropped him on the seat of his pants.
Inoue was positively merciless from that point and sprang into life, dropping Rodriguez twice more with sickening shots to the midsection before the referee decided to intervene to prevent the Puerto Rican from sustaining any further punishment.
A stunned Rodriguez, still grimacing in agony from the devastating punches he shipped in the second round, was swiftly escorted from the ring while the triumphant newly-crowned IBF champion participated in a cordial face off with fellow finalist and WBA counterpart Nonito Donaire.
Indeed, it will take something special for the Filipino Flash to stop Inoue in his tracks, with the Monster seemingly getting better and stronger with every fight.
Article by: Navi Singh