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A pair of undefeated fighters square off in a highly anticipated showdown for the undisputed super bantamweight belt. Despite being the current champ Stephen Fulton is a heavy underdog at boxing betting sites with challenger Naoya Inoue looking to add to his legacy. A three-division world champ and the former undisputed bantamweight strap holder, Inoue takes another step up the ladder facing what is arguably his toughest opponent to date. The two were scheduled to fight in May but Inoue sustained a hand injury forcing a postponement.
Barring any unforeseen complications we should see one of the finest fights in the world of boxing. Fulton scored a dominant decision over Angelo Leo in January 2021 to claim the WBO belt and stopped Brandon Figueroa 10 months later to unify the division. Outgrowing another weight class, Inoue relinquished his bantamweight belt to test the waters at 122 pounds. Fighting in his home country and with a knockout percentage of 88, Inoue was positioned as the favorite with fight odds of -455.
Bet on fights online at BetRivers sportsbook with odds and props for bouts on the card on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The action is set to begin at 4:30 a.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN+.
Fulton vs. Inoue Boxing Odds
Stephen Fulton +325
Naoya Inoue -455
Fulton vs. Inoue Preview
You don’t often see a disparity in fight odds like we have for this bout when two champs who have yet to lose a professional fight tangle. I don’t have a problem with Inoue ( 24-0, 21 KOs ) being the favorite on the boxing betting line, but at 45/1 I’m scratching my head and it aint because of dandruff. You have to be a special fighter to win a title in three different weight classes with ‘The Monster’ certainly in that category.
Inoue won the WBC light-flyweight title in 2014 with a TKO of Adrian Hernandez in just his sixth professional fight. Then 18 months later he KO’d Omar Narvaez to claim the WBO junior-bantamweight title. After seven title defenses Inoue stopped Jamie McDonnell with a first round TKO to win the WBA (regular) bantamweight title.
Last December Inoue faced WBO bantamweight champ Paul Butler in a unification fight winning with an 11th round TKO. He pounded Butler with powerful body shots and outlanded his opponent 151 to 38 in total punches with 97 of them being power punches. After the fight he stated his intention to move up to super bantamweight and a few weeks later Inoue made it official. The change in weight class forced Inoue to vacate the five titles he held.
You don’t see many boxers with a knockout rate of 88 percent, which is something that sets Inoue apart from the competition. And while ‘The Monster’ has left a trail of staggered and fallen opponents it’s hard to argue that he’s faced anyone as talented as Fulton. Facing an experienced fighter known for his defense will force Inoue to adjust rather than rely on his aggressiveness and powerful punches.
There’s plenty working for Fulton ( 21-0, 8 KOs ) which makes a fight bet on him a decent wager with a nice payout. The contrast in styles could frustrate Inoue, who’s used to knocking his opponents out. Fulton doesn’t possess stone fists with eight of his wins by KO, but he’s technically sound and possesses the unique ability to adapt to different styles. He’s also geared to go the distance with each of his last four fights going to the judges.
A thorough beating of Angelo Leo in 2021 earned Fulton the WBO super bantamweight strap. He scored a majority decision over Brandon Figueroa later that year to claim the WBC belt. His last fight was over a year ago posting a unanimous decision over Daniel Roman to retain both titles.
It’s hard to back Inoue on the moneyline at his price. If you like ‘The Monster’ it’s better for your pocketbook to back a method of victory which more than likely would be a KO. The fight odds are against Fulton, but he’s a formidable opponent who I would have no problem backing on the moneyline with his price. And to sweeten the pot you could wager on a decision in his favor.
UFC Prediction: Stephen Fulton +325 / Decision
Check out the latest boxing betting odds at BetRivers.
