Discover why Naoya Inoue, with his unmatched power and precision, has earned the title “The Monster” and become a must-watch sensation in the world of boxing.
In the ring, Paul Butler faced an impossible task—survival. Throughout their fight, Butler barely dared to throw a punch, his strategy driven by the sheer terror of leaving himself exposed to the relentless force that is Naoya Inoue. Known as “The Monster,” Inoue has earned this fearsome nickname through a combination of raw power, lightning-fast hands, and an uncanny ability to exploit any angle.
Over the years, the Japanese boxing sensation has effortlessly dominated multiple weight classes, turning his victories into legendary tales of near-mythical prowess. Butler, a capable fighter in his own right, held the last belt that Inoue needed to claim the undisputed bantamweight championship. However, even Butler’s high guard and defensive approach could not withstand Inoue’s relentless assault.
What sets Inoue apart is not just his ability to stop opponents—something he has done 21 times in his 24 fights—but his ability to do so even when his opponents refuse to engage. Butler’s cautious approach in their December encounter was no match for Inoue, who found ways to break through, delivering a knockout without needing any excuses.
Inoue burst onto the American boxing scene with a series of knockouts against top-10 bantamweights in title fights between 2018 and 2019. These fights, streamed in the early hours in the U.S., showcased his incredible talent and cemented his reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Currently ranked No. 2 by ESPN, Inoue is now preparing for what could be his toughest challenge yet.
Inoue’s upcoming fight at 122 pounds will see him face Stephen Fulton, the top boxer in the junior featherweight division, for the WBC and WBO world titles in Tokyo. Fulton, undefeated in 21 fights, is a formidable opponent, naturally bigger and just outside the top 10 pound-for-pound rankings. But Inoue, who started his career at 108 pounds, has consistently proven that size is no match for his extraordinary talent.
“I’m pushing the boundaries of my build, my limits,” said the 30-year-old Inoue in an interview with ESPN. “I don’t know what kind of fight this will be, but I’m going to do everything I can to win. If I get the chance, I’ll go for a knockout, and if it doesn’t go that way, I’ll focus on solid boxing to secure the victory.”
So, just how good is “The Monster”? Inoue’s offensive style is nearly flawless, a testament to his impeccable vision in the ring. During his first three fights at 118 pounds, Inoue made quick work of his opponents, including a first-round TKO of Jamie McDonnell and a second-round TKO of Emmanuel Rodriguez. His ability to spot openings and deliver precise punches with perfect timing and balance makes him a truly dangerous fighter.
“Inoue has incredible ‘eyes’ with a calmness that allows him to see openings and place his punches perfectly,” noted renowned trainer Teddy Atlas. “His supreme confidence, timing, and foot placement give him the balance needed to deliver those punches effectively. Combined with solid fundamentals and great defensive habits, he’s a real ‘Monster’ to deal with.”
But Inoue isn’t just about raw power. He showed his true grit in 2019 when he faced future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in the World Boxing Super Series final. In a brutal fight, Inoue suffered a broken nose and orbital bone within the first three rounds, yet he never faltered. Pushing through the pain, Inoue continued to press Donaire, eventually flooring him with a body shot in the 11th round. Despite the injuries, Inoue dominated the final rounds, proving his resilience and earning a hard-fought victory.
Naoya Inoue is more than just a knockout artist; he’s a fighter with heart, precision, and a relentless drive that sets him apart. As he steps into the ring against Stephen Fulton, Inoue is not just fighting for titles—he’s solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of his generation.
