Naoya Inoue Destroys Michael Dasmarinas

By: Hector Franco

LAS VEGAS – On the Theater on the Virgin Inns, in Las Vegas, Nevada on ESPN, pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue (21-0, 18 KOs) confronted off in opposition to the Philippines Michael Dasmarinas (30-3-1, 20 KOs) for his WBA and IBF bantamweight titles.

Inoue, a three-division champion, having held titles at mild flyweight, tremendous flyweight, and bantamweight, would take part within the sixteenth championship bout of his profession.

The Japanese power-puncher could be making his third look in america and simply his fourth struggle exterior of his native Japan.

Though an enormous underdog and comparatively unknown, Dasmarinas, who fights southpaw, hasn’t misplaced a struggle since December 2014.

From the beginning, Dasmarinas was cautious, reluctant to get in vary of Inoue to land a punch. Inoue remained composed, analyzing and ready patiently to seek out a gap to unleash an assault.

Within the second spherical, with simply 50 seconds left within the spherical, Inoue landed a physique shot with a left hook that despatched Dasmarinas to the canvas. Inoue has this intense focus within the ring that contributes to his pinpoint accuracy, making each punch brutal and impactful.

Inoue because the predator continued to press the motion within the third spherical with Dasmarinas in survival mode. Giving Canelo Alvarez a run for his cash as one of the best physique puncher in boxing, Inoue break up Dasmarinas’ guard and landed a left hook to the physique that once more despatched him down.

Dasmarinas used all his power to get again up; nevertheless, he was put down once more with one other left hook to the physique.

Referee Russell Mora put an finish to the bout on the 2:45 mark of the third spherical.

Inoue’s accuracy was on full show in opposition to Dasmarinas, touchdown 31 out of 48 complete punches at a 65 p.c join price. 17 of which had been physique photographs.

Right now, Canelo Alvarez has been firmly set atop of the coveted pound-for-pound listing. However, Inoue, in upcoming bouts, may have a chance to additional his argument as one of the best fighter on this planet.

Just lately introduced, former Inoue foe and future Corridor-of-Famer Nonito Donaire will put his newly gained WBC bantamweight title on the road in opposition to WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero in an all Filipino showdown. The bout will happen on August 14th on the Dignity Well being Sports activities Park in Carson, California.

Inoue will doubtless tackle the winner for an opportunity to change into the undisputed bantamweight champion.

“Mainly, changing into the undisputed champion means I’m one of the best in that weight class,” said Inoue.” To show that, that’s why I’m going in any case 4 belts.”

In 2019, Inoue and Donaire participated within the struggle of the yr within the finals of the World Boxing Tremendous Collection bantamweight event. Final April, Inoue was set to face Casimero in a unification bout earlier than the world got here crashing down because of the coronavirus.

Whether or not Inoue takes on Donaire or Casimero subsequent, the bantamweight division has loads of motion for followers to sit up for.