| |
|
Naoya Inoue to Challenge Stephen Fulton for Unified 122 Belts; Could Casimero Face the Winner?
By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Fri, 17 Feb 2023

After stopping Nonito Donaire in 2 rounds last year, knocking out British champ Paul Butler and then vacating all his four 118 world titles, sensational Japanese KO artist “Monster” Naoya Inoue (24-0, 21 KO's) propels his stellar career even further by challenging Undefeated/Unified WBC/WBO super bantamweight world champion Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KO's) in a Top Rank Promotion in Japan at a date and venue TBA, live on ESPN+.
Will the electrifying warrior Naoya Inoue stop the lesser-known Stephen Fulton to become THE NEW Unified champ at 122?
Or will the confident 28-year-old Philadelphia-native be the one destined to shock and defeat the thrilling unbeaten Japanese superstar?
AND, further down the road, should Naoya Inoue prevail, would the Japanese want to fight 34-year-old Filipino former champ Johnriel Casimero?
In fact, Naoya and Johnriel were ready and willing to collide not that long ago, during the tougher times of covid.
Sadly, restrictions completely disrupted and knocked out the interesting rumble.
As a result, both fighters had to go their separate ways, although fans' genuine interest in Naoya and Johnriel to collide hasn't gone away.
However, right now, what the disciplined 29-year-old Naoya Inoue really needs is to focus 100% on his crucial world title fight against a skilled champion warrior as Stephen Fulton, a fighter with two super bantamweight world title belts for a reason.
Sometime in future, would it be possible for boxing fans to be treated to Inoue vs Casimero? That is always a possibility, and only time will tell.
That is why Casimero (32-4, 22 KO's), should better keep himself active, maintaining himself in shape and controlling his weight, making sure that he will be strong and fast - with the eye of the tiger on - ready to strike harsh when the big fight arises.
The author veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Fight Results from Sanman Boxing Event at Bula Gymnasium in General Santos City , Thu, 13 Mar 2025Flores Family: Filipino Fistic Fury By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Thu, 13 Mar 2025March 22 fight card at Tropicana Atlantic City has strong local flavor , Thu, 13 Mar 2025Inoue to Fight Cardenas in the USA on May 4, Another "Expensive" Mismatch Expected By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 13 Mar 2025PH's Top Chess Players to See Action at DG's Cup 2025 Invitational Chess Tournament This Friday By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 13 Mar 2025A Monster May: Pound-For-Pound King Naoya Inoue to Defend Undisputed Junior Featherweight Crown Against Ramon Cardenas May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas , Thu, 13 Mar 2025HACKETT SEEKS ROMAN REVENGE IN ORLANDO , Thu, 13 Mar 2025World Boxing approves applications from National Federations in China, Turkey, Sudan, Greece, Montenegro and Slovakia to increase membership to 84 countries , Thu, 13 Mar 2025SAMPSON BOXING SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH UNDEFEATED MEXICAN SUPER WELTERWEIGHT ISAAC LUCERO , Thu, 13 Mar 2025Athletes secure guaranteed prize money on day three of IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš , Wed, 12 Mar 2025Chances Are: Top Rank Signs Amateur Standout Emmanuel Chance , Wed, 12 Mar 2025Johnny Wellem Andam Carzano tops Iligan chess tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 12 Mar 2025April 5: Unbeaten Standouts Albert Gonzalez and Steven Navarro Added to Richard Torrez Jr.-Guido Vianello Card at Palms Casino Resort LIVE on ESPN+ , Wed, 12 Mar 2025Hatice Akbas confident of second gold medal at IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships , Wed, 12 Mar 2025Sanman Boxing Event Set as Fighters Successfully Make Weight in General Santos City , Tue, 11 Mar 2025Filipina Boxing Champions Norj Guro and Wenie Cline Verano Seek Guidance from Promoter Brico Santig for Career Advancement By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025The Past Week in Action 10 March 2025: Lauren Price Outpoints Natasha Jonas to Unify IBF/IBO/WBA/WBC Welter Titles By Eric Armit, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025A Pilgrimage of Gratitude: Remembering Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025Bye Bye Dallas Mavericks - From Finalists to Also Run (Again)? By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025Justin Viloria's Star Continues to Rise By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025WBA Champion Eimantas Stanionis Settles in at Wild Card Gym in Preparation for Unification Showdown with Jaron “Boots” Ennis , Tue, 11 Mar 2025Irish light heavyweight prospect Thomas Myers Shipping Up To Boston to fight Saturday , Tue, 11 Mar 2025GM Joey Antonio rules rapid chess tilt By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025Cebuana Lhuillier Slo-Pitch Softball Team Bags Another Championship Title in Pangaea Cup Tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025Araw doubles netfest set March 14-17 at Flores By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 11 Mar 2025 |

|
|
|
|
|