Naoya ’Monster’ Inoue Devours Jason Moloney in Top Rank Debut

Making his Top Rank debut inside The Bubble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Japan’s ‘Monster’ Naoya Inoue successfully defended his WBA and IBF bantamweight world titles by way of knocking out world title contender, Jason Moloney in the seventh round. Australia’s Moloney (21-2, 18 KO), gave a good effort but Inoue (20-0, 17 KO), was more effective and quicker to the punch. Inoue controlled the pace and the distance of the fight and when Moloney had his moments to attack, Inoue was usually able to catch him with some heavy counter shots. In the early half of the sixth round, a short counter left hand found its way home and floored Moloney. Although Moloney survived the round, he wouldn’t last much longer as Inoue caught him with a beautiful right hand. Moloney attempted to get up, no but fell back down to the canvas. Referee, Kenny Bayless called the fight at the 2:59 mark of the 7th round. Inoue 27, will now set his sights on the winner of the WBC champion, Nordine Oubbali and Nonito Donaire’s fight on Dec. 12. Oubbali has a victory over Inoue’s younger brother, Takuma. ‘Monster’ already holds a victory over Donaire in 2019’s fight of the year for the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament’s Muhammad Ali trophy and the unification of the WBA and IBF crowns, last November.