NAOYA Inoue remains the undefeated and undisputed super-bantamweight champion of the world after securing a seventh-round stoppage of challenger TJ Doheny. The Irish southpaw was holding his own in the first half of the fight until a back injury struck at 16 seconds of the seventh.
Inoue’s rapid fists played a significant role in forcing Doheny out of the fight. Turning 38 in November, Aussie-based TJ bent over as referee Bence Kovacs called it off.
Looking filled out at the introductions, showing solid shoulders as he assessed the task ahead, Doheny appeared big as Inoue focused on showcasing his hand speed in round one. Inoue targeted the body in round two, delivering a right hand downstairs as Doheny moved around the ring with his hands low.
Doheny became more active in the third round, looking for opportunities to land his left hand. He had a better overall third round, while Inoue closed it out with powerful right hands.
Inoue’s left jab came into play in round four as he tried to work around Doheny’s shoulder guard. The Irishman’s looping left hands found their mark as he avoided getting trapped against the ropes.
Japan’s Naoya Inoue (R) and Ireland’s TJ Doheny fight during their IBF-WBA-WBC-WBO super-bantamweight title boxing match at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on September 3, 2024. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP) (Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
In round five, Inoue leaned back on the ropes as Doheny took control, landing single shots to the body. Doheny’s hands remained quick, but the increased pace was not in his favor.
TJ’s toughness was unquestionable, but his ring intelligence was underestimated as the 37-year-old evaded danger and landed counters to the head and body.
Inoue was increasing the tempo until Doheny’s unfortunate back injury prematurely ended the fight. Retaining all four belts, Naoya expressed gratitude to his fans for their support on a rainy Tuesday night and praised Doheny for his career accomplishments.
“I know boxing is not easy so I really wanted to slow down, do one at a time, giving my opponent damage,” Inoue said afterward.
Promoter Bob Arum confirmed that Inoue would be in Tokyo at the end of the year and then head to the United States for a celebratory event in Las Vegas.
