Naoya Inoue at super bantam — who can realistically trouble him?

jab_cross_hook

Inoue at 122lb is a terrifying prospect for a division that wasn't built to contain him. The fighters who could potentially trouble him: Emmanuel Rodriguez showed the blueprint in their first fight — high volume attacks before Inoue settles into his rhythm, targeting the body to slow the jab. Nonito Donaire at his peak would have been the answer, but peak Nonito doesn't exist anymore. Realistically, a tall technical fighter with range management and a jab that can keep Inoue at distance for the first four rounds. The problem is Inoue closes distance faster than any super bantam historically and once he's inside, the fight is functionally over.

jab_cross_hook

Inoue at 122lb is a terrifying prospect for a division that wasn't built to contain him. The fighters who could potentially trouble him: Emmanuel Rodriguez showed the blueprint in their first fight — high volume attacks before Inoue settles into his rhythm, targeting the body to slow the jab. Nonito Donaire at his peak would have been the answer, but peak Nonito doesn't exist anymore. Realistically, a tall technical fighter with range management and a jab that can keep Inoue at distance for the first four rounds. The problem is Inoue closes distance faster than any super bantam historically and once he's inside, the fight is functionally over.

mlbb_dad_of3

Canelo's adaptation to lead combinations being targeted is interesting. He's essentially relearning his attack pattern in real time at age 35.

reyna_diff_btw

The Inoue at super bantam analysis is spot on. Rodriguez showed the blueprint but couldn't sustain it — the question is whether anyone in the division can execute it for 12 rounds.