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FILE – Naoya Inoue of Japan celebrates his victory over Nonito Donaire of the Philippines after his World Boxing Super Series bantamweight final at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on November 7, 2019 (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)
Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue defended his unified WBA and IBF bantamweight world titles in his Las Vegas debut on Saturday with a seventh-round knockout of Australian Jason Moloney.
The undefeated Japanese superstar dropped Moloney with a chilling blow near the end of the round to retain both belts in spectacular fashion at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.
Inoue, 27, hit a straight right hand that bent Moloney’s knees in the 118-pound fight and the Australian couldn’t beat the count with just one second to play in the round.
“The final blow, I am very happy and satisfied with that blow,” Inoue said. “Moloney has a great defense, it was difficult to pass.”
Inoue scored two knockdowns and improved to a perfect 20-0 with 17 knockouts, while Moloney dropped to 21-2 with 18 KOs.
Inoue dominated the entire fight that took place inside the quarantine bubble at the luxury casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Inoue’s devastating punching power was on full display when he showed why he is nicknamed ‘Monster’.
Inoue first dropped Moloney in the sixth round with a left hook off the counter. He finished a round later with a short forehand. Moloney tried to get to his feet but couldn’t, and referee Kenny Bayless counted it at 2:59 of the round.
Inoue unified the IBF and WBA crowns last November by winning the World Boxing Super Series final over Filipino star Nonito Donaire by unanimous decision in a throbbing “fight of the year” contender.
The Japanese knockout specialist had dispatched his four previous foes in less than three rounds.
Inoue should have faced another Filipino, John Riel Casimero, in April, but the fight was knocked out by the coronavirus pandemic.
The 29-year-old Moloney stopped Mexican Leonardo Báez after seven rounds in June, but was outmatched by Inoue’s speed and power.
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