What fans have been waiting for has finally happened. Naoya Inoue, the newly crowned undisputed 122-pound champion was on the lookout for his next opponent. Discussions for his upcoming bout had already been underway prior to his victory over Marlon Tapales. Inoue, a four-division champion, secured the undisputed title with a tenth-round knockout of WBA/IBF titlist Tapales. Looking ahead, Inoue aims to step back into the ring in May for his third fight within a ten-month span.

Inoue was likely to face WBC mandatory challenger and former two-division titlist Luis Nery in his next defense. According to sources, a deal has been reached between the two for a May bout in Tokyo as reported by ESPN on Monday night. Let us delve into the details.

Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery confirmed for May

The upcoming fight will be for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight championship. Luis Nery faces significant challenges in his quest to become a two-time junior featherweight champion against Inoue. ‘The Monster,’ is a rare talent showcasing his skills at the pinnacle of his abilities. In the last year itself, Inoue achieved undisputed title victories in two weight classes. Mike Coppinger shared the news on his X account.

“Naoya Inoue and Luis Nery have agreed to a deal for a May fight in Tokyo for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight championship, sources told ESPN.” said Coppinger. While many may wonder how, considering Nery is banned from the Japan Boxing Commission, Coppinger revealed “Nery is banned for life from fighting in Japan for missing weight and a doping violation, but it’s not expected to be an issue.”

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How did Luis Nery invite a ban?

In March 2018, Nery faced a lifetime ban from the Japan Boxing Commission after securing two stoppage wins against Shinsuke Yamanaka. Unfortunately, Nery tested positive for the banned substance zilpaterol, following his fourth-round TKO victory over Yamanaka in August 2017. Nery, however, had his explanation ready. He attributed the adverse finding to tainted meat consumed in Mexico.

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In a rematch the same month, Nery defeated Yamanaka in Round 2 but exceeded the weight limit by weighing 121 pounds for a 118-pound title bout. These two violations led to the imposition of the ban. Despite this, Nery scored an 11th-round KO over Azat Hovhannisyan in a WBC title eliminator, which was recognized as ESPN’s runner-up for Fight of the Year. the 29-year-old has also bounced back with four consecutive victories since his sole defeat, enabling him to fight Inoue next.

The fight discussions have borne fruit as Inoue and Nery prepare to have a face-off in a few months. With the dates confirmed, who do you think would snatch the victory from the other? Will Inous be able to defend his titles?

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