Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue drew a comparison from Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao as boxing and media personalities pointed out their similarities in speed and power.
In a mini-documentary by Top Rank Boxing and ESPN, several boxing experts and analysts walked through Inoue’s road to superstardom.
And as the story reaches its conclusion, DAZN’s Akin Reyes and Timothy Bradley Jr., Pacquiao’s former opponent, were among those who pitched in their comparison of Inoue to the only eight-division world boxing champion.
“When you talk about Manny Pacquiao, right, it’s a long road to catch up to that guy’s career, his accolades,” said Reyes. ” I mean, he’s the most decorated fighter in history in terms of weight classes and titles.
“But that explosive, exciting type of style, Inoue possesses that,” added the television sports broadcaster.
Bradley, for his part, admitted that he has not seen that kind of “speed and power” since witnessing Pacquiao, who, at 42 will fight 31-year-old Errol Spence for the WBC and IBF welterweight titles.
Bradley knew that too well after experiencing Pacquiao’s ferocity first-hand thrice, specifically in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
“Inoue is more technical, I believe, than Manny Pacquiao,” added the two-division world boxing champion. “He’s more precise, more accurate with his punches — nothing wasted. Inoue throws just the right amount of punches at the right time, all the time. Which is extraordinary in the sport.”
