Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue(15-0-0, 13 KO’s) makes his bantamweight bow this Friday, as he seeks to become a three-weight World champion against Britain’s WBA World bantamweight king Jamie McDonnell(29-2-1, 13 KO’s) in Tokyo.
Inoue, considered by many to be one of the world’s best ‘pound-for-pound’ fighters, boasts one of the most impressive resumes in world boxing. Following a red-hot start to his career that yielded two World titles in as many weight classes – in just eight fights, no less – the aptly nicknamed ‘Monster’ has now set his sights on dominating the bantamweight division.
Possessing bone-crushing power and arguably the most devastating body attack in the sport, Inoue has seen his career stall somewhat in recent times. After claiming the WBC World light flyweight title by knocking out Adrian Hernandez in just his sixth professional fight, he would jump up two weight classes in December of 2014 to produce a spectacular, two-round demolition job on long-time champion Omar Narvaez. These victories – and the manner of them – have perhaps understandably left Inoue short of willing opponents…
Enter Jamie McDonnell…
The WBA World bantamweight champion has shown his mettle over and over again throughout his career, and it is of little surprise to many that McDonnell jumped at the chance to tackle the formidable Inoue this weekend.
After becoming a two-time World champion by claiming the WBA belt against Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat in May 2014, McDonnell would go on the road just two fights later, defending his title against then-unbeaten Tomoki Kameda in Texas. Entering the bout as an underdog, the Doncaster man would show tremendous courage in dragging himself off the canvas and rally to a remarkable upset decision victory.
True to form, McDonnell would once again show his champion mentality, returning to the United States to inflict another defeat on Kameda in the rematch, dropping him in the twelfth round en route to a unanimous decision victory.
His most recent bouts have produced less-than-satisfying endings, however. Firstly, in a close – somewhat controversial – unanimous decision victory over tricky Venezuelan Liborio Solis, before a clash of heads in the third round rendered their rematch as a technical draw.
While he enters the bout this weekend against Inoue as the heavy betting favourite, it is a position that the no-nonsense McDonnell has seemingly relished over the years. While not in possession of the same glitz and glamour of your conventional World champion, the 32-year-old has dragged himself to the top of his profession with an emphasis on hard work, graft and mental fortitude.
However, the younger McDonnell twin also possesses – on paper, at least – a skillset that may pose problems for the seemingly-unstoppable Inoue. He is taller, longer, possesses excellent straight shots and is, as previously mentioned, mentally strong and unflappable. Not to mention the fact that he is a two-time World champion that boasts a ten-year undefeated streak.
Inoue, on the other hand, through no fault of his own, has been devoid of a serious challenge after searing through the super-flyweight division. With the division’s marquee names unwilling to face him, a series of underwhelming defences are not ideal preparation when facing a seasoned, battle-hardened veteran like McDonnell.
🇯🇵 @JamieMcdonnell1 and Naoya Inoue met for the first time after both fighters went through some medical checks in Tokyo ahead of Friday’s fight #McDonnellinouepic.twitter.com/TgVOk7gRhw
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 22, 2018
Though it would seemingly be foolish to pick against Inoue, it is undoubtedly the biggest test of the Japanese phenomenon’s fledgling career. After the fight was initially announced, Eddie Hearn – McDonnell’s promoter – stated that McDonnell “had no idea who Inoue was”. While the comments would bring a smile to the face of some, it is worth noting that with such a blasé outlook, the WBA champion is without the same fear and intimidation that some have entered the ring with against Inoue.
Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing, boxing fans will find out on Friday afternoon at the Otai-City Gymnasium, in Tokyo…