Destroying Fulton, The Monster Naoya Inoue Now World Champions In Four Different Classes

Naoya Inoue's right strategy plunged into Stephen Fulton's chin and left him lying in the 8th round in a duel for the WBC/WBO super bantamweight title in Tokyo, Japan July 25, 2023. (Fightnews/Naoki Fukuda)

JAKARTA Naoya Inoue 'The Monster' succeeded in realizing his dream of becoming a boxing world champion in four different classes. The Japanese boxer defeated TKO Stephen Fulton from the US in the 8th round, as well as won the WBA and WBO super bantam (55.3 kg) class titles. The Inoue vs Fulton duel was held at the Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday night, July 25, 2023.

The key to Inoue's victory was the consistency of the attack on Fulton. Inoue was very diligent in throwing a jab, as a lure for Fulton's famous defense to be tight open. The result came as the 8th round entered the 2nd minute.

A left jab was thrown by Inoue into Fulton's stomach. The defending champion reacted by lowering his arm to the stomach. The reaction made the defense on Fulton's chin open, and Inoue took full advantage of it.

Suddenly, Inoue's right straight ambush surged into Fulton's chin followed by a left hook, and it left him lying on the canvas. Fulton was still able to rise but was unable to find full awareness. Inoue immediately attacked him viciously.

Inoue's bombardment left Fulton helpless in the blue corner. The referee from Panama, Hector Afu, acted quickly to stop the fight. The match ended with TKO for Inoue's victory.

"I am very happy to be able to become a new champion in the super bantam class. I would like to thank you very much for all the support given by boxing leaders wherever they are," said Inoue after the match, as quoted by Fightnews.

Inoue, who is currently 30 years old, maintains an unbeaten record with 25-0-0 (22 KOs), while Fulton (29) suffered the first loss with a record 21-1-0 (8KOs). After this Inoue is scheduled to face super-WBA and IBF bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales from the Philippines for the fight for the true world title.

Inoue has previously been a world champion in junior flyingweight (49 KOs), super flying (52.2 kg), and bantam (53.5 kg).