Boxing News: Naoya Inoue’s Next Fight to Take Place at Iconic Venue With Mike Tyson Connection, Target Date Revealed

Published 01/24/2024, 3:28 PM EST

The Tokyo Dome holds a special place in boxing history. It’s where Mike Tyson’s invincibility suffered its first blow from Buster Douglas. Now, after 34 years, this hallowed venue is stirring again. Picture this: the 55,000+ seats echoing with anticipation, awaiting another historic fight. Can the Tokyo Dome witness another monumental upset? Or will it be the stage for a reigning champion’s glory?

This time, it’s Naoya Inoue in Mike Tyson’s place. The undisputed super-bantamweight champion will be stepping into this legendary ring. His opponent? Luis Nery, a figure who once invited a ban. Will history repeat itself or will a new chapter be written?

Naoya Inoue will be Tokyo Dome’s revival

Michael Benson set the boxing world abuzz with his tweet: “Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery for Inoue’s undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO super-bantamweight world titles is reportedly being eyed for May 6th at the Tokyo Dome, according to Japanese media. The 55,000+ venue has not hosted boxing since Mike Tyson’s defeat to Buster Douglas in 1990.” This announcement marks a momentous return of elite boxing to a venue steeped in history.

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Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery for Inoue's undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO super-bantamweight world titles is reportedly being eyed for May 6th at the Tokyo Dome, according to Japanese media. The 55,000+ venue has not hosted boxing since Mike Tyson's defeat to Buster Douglas in 1990. pic.twitter.com/6vg4GE13nC
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 24, 2024

Inoue, known as ‘The Monster’, boasts an impressive undefeated record of 26-0, with 23 KOs. His recent victories, including a tenth–round knockout of Marlon Tapales, have solidified his reputation. Meanwhile, Nery is a former two-division world champion. Despite a controversial past, including a lifetime ban from the Japan Boxing Commission, Nery has rebounded with a current record of 35-1, with 27 KOs, signaling his readiness for this high-stakes matchup.

Scheduled for May 6th, the fight not only signifies a major sporting event but also a potential turning point in Nery’s career. If the Japanese Boxing Commission lifts his suspension, it would mark a significant redemption arc for the Mexican boxer.

But why was Nery banned?

The controversy behind Nery

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In March 2018, the Japan Boxing Commission imposed a lifetime ban on Nery after a series of incidents. He first stirred controversy by testing positive for the banned substance zilpaterol following his victory over Shinsuke Yamanaka in 2017. Nery attributed this to tainted meat consumed in Mexico.

Further complicating matters, in a rematch, he exceeded the weight limit, tipping the scales at 121 pounds for a 118-pound title bout. Despite these setbacks, Nery didn’t let his career stall. He impressively bounced back, securing four consecutive victories, including a notable 11th-round knockout over Azat Hovhannisyan, paving his way to face the formidable Inoue.

Boxing News: Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum Provides Update on Naoya Inoue’s May Return

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Will the Tokyo Dome witness another historic upset, or will it be the stage where a champion cements his legacy? What are your predictions for this monumental bout?

Watch This Story: Stephen Fulton vs Naoya Inoue: When ‘The Monster’ Decimated The ‘Cool Boy’

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Written by:

"Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring," said Sugar Ray Leonard. Growing up engrossed in sports, it was the compelling narrative of the Mike Tyson documentary that first pulled me into the magnetic world of boxing.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

Boxing News: Naoya Inoue’s Next Fight to Take Place at Iconic Venue With Mike Tyson Connection, Target Date Revealed

Naoya Inoue will be Tokyo Dome’s revival

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The controversy behind Nery