Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny: Odds, Live Stream and KO, Judges’ Scorecards Predictions
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Naoya Inoue and TJ DohenyPHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue will look to keep his dominance over the super bantamweight division going early on Tuesday morning in a fight against TJ Donehy with Inoue’s unified titles on the line.
The 31-year-old has established himself as the dominant force in the division. His work has earned him the No. 2 spot on the most recent pound-for-pound rankings from Bleacher Report.
Inoue has put together a perfect 27-0 record with 24 of those wins coming by way of knockout or TKO. His campaign has featured world titles in four different weight classes, including two undisputed runs at his current weight and bantamweight.
TJ Doheny comes into the bout as a massive underdog. He won the IBF title back in 2018 and has been working his way back up the ladder. Now he gets an opportunity to become a champion again.
Preview
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TJ DohenyMark Kolbe/Getty Images
Inoue is no stranger to coming into a fight as a massive favorite. He has earned that right by annihilating every challenger that has been thrown his way.
In terms of challengers that Inoue has seen, TJ Doheny probably goes down as one of the most unqualified. The 37-year-old did win a championship back in 2018, but that was six years ago at this point and he’s 5-4 over his last nine fights.
Doheny has earned this shot with three consecutive knockout victories. He lives up to his nickname of “Power” and has won 20 of his 30 fights by knockout.
The Irish fighter does have a puncher’s chance, but he’s taking on a complete fighter in Inoue. The undisputed champion’s ability to push the pace and deliver his power without taking too much risk has helped him run through every opponent.
Inoue is on a streak of eight knockout victories. Nonito Donaire was the last fighter to take him to a decision and “The Machine” still won on all three scorecards.
Despite all of his success, Inoue believes that there is still room for him to be even better.
“I don’t think I am the finished product yet. I still have some way to go. I know I can still evolve into a better fighter. I hope the fans can look forward to that as well,” he told Sky Sports.
That’s a terrifying thought for the rest of the division and the boxing world.
This should be another complete dismantling unless the Irishman finds a way to connect with a fight-changing punch out of nowhere.