Inoue retains Japanese title, stops Ikeda in 5!
After a couple of relatively unexciting performances from Koki Inoue (14-0, 11) [浩樹井上] he knew he had to put on a show today, especially given he was making his first defense of the Japanese Light Welterweight title.
Thankfully for Inoue's career he did indeed put on a show as he battered Ryuji Ikeda (14-5-3, 9) [池田竜司] in a 5th round stoppage, and defended the national title in style, making a statement and showing that he can indeed be a very fun fighter to watch.
The power and aggression of Inoue, which has been subdued in his last 2 bouts, showed in the opening round when he rocked Ikeda towards the end of the round. He would again showcase what he could do in round 2, when he forced Ikeda into the ropes, with the referee ruling the ropes kept the challenger up.
In round 3 Inoue allowed pressure and Ikeda built some confidence, before being caught by a right hook that send him down and secured Inoue his second 10-8 round. By now it was looking like Ikeda was going to struggle to survive long, especially as he was bleeding from a cut caused by a clash of heads. Ikeda did however manage to get through round 4, whilst Inoue looked to sharpen his crisp right hook.
In round 5 the power of Inoue again hurt Ikeda, and a follow forced the referee to save the challenger, after just 34 seconds of the round.
After the bout Ikeda seemed to hint at retirement, and it may not be the worst of ideas given how badly beaten he was today. Interestingly Inoue seemed to hint at a potential fight with Hiroki Okada (19-1, 13) [岡田 博喜], and if we're being honest that would be a great test for Inoue.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)
Thankfully for Inoue's career he did indeed put on a show as he battered Ryuji Ikeda (14-5-3, 9) [池田竜司] in a 5th round stoppage, and defended the national title in style, making a statement and showing that he can indeed be a very fun fighter to watch.
The power and aggression of Inoue, which has been subdued in his last 2 bouts, showed in the opening round when he rocked Ikeda towards the end of the round. He would again showcase what he could do in round 2, when he forced Ikeda into the ropes, with the referee ruling the ropes kept the challenger up.
In round 3 Inoue allowed pressure and Ikeda built some confidence, before being caught by a right hook that send him down and secured Inoue his second 10-8 round. By now it was looking like Ikeda was going to struggle to survive long, especially as he was bleeding from a cut caused by a clash of heads. Ikeda did however manage to get through round 4, whilst Inoue looked to sharpen his crisp right hook.
In round 5 the power of Inoue again hurt Ikeda, and a follow forced the referee to save the challenger, after just 34 seconds of the round.
After the bout Ikeda seemed to hint at retirement, and it may not be the worst of ideas given how badly beaten he was today. Interestingly Inoue seemed to hint at a potential fight with Hiroki Okada (19-1, 13) [岡田 博喜], and if we're being honest that would be a great test for Inoue.
(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)