Inoue vs. Nakatani, “The Day”: A Fight Fan’s Dream
This is an extended version of an article featured on TheFightCity.com on June 2nd, 2026: https://www.thefightcity.com/inoue-vs-nakatani-japan-boxing/
When boxing became an utter obsession back in the mid-90s, it was hard to imagine the likes of Barrera, Naz, and Tito Trinidad ever being replaced as my favourite fighters. In the years that followed, no other boxers captivated the imagination like the ones who got me hooked on the sport. That changed when Naoya “The Monster” Inoue came along. The young prodigy’s dynamic style, crunching body attack, and humble demeanour embodied everything there is to like about a boxer. Read more
A Virtuoso Performance
An edited version of this article was published on TheFightCity.com on July 29th, 2023: https://www.thefightcity.com/spence-vs-crawford-virtuoso-performance-boxing/
When the chips are down, great fighters step up and do great things. In the biggest fight of his life, in front of an electrified crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford showed up and produced a masterclass performance that will define his legacy. On paper, the Spence-Crawford superfight looked like a 50/50 contest. But in the event, Crawford proved to be a level above, completely dominating his rival and winning by ninth-round stoppage, to become the undisputed welterweight champion.
Welter Wars: 30 Years of 147lb Super-Fights
This article was published on TheFightCity.com on July 29th, 2023: https://www.thefightcity.com/welter-wars-thirty-years-of-superfights-boxing/
As the hype dials up for the mouth-watering Spence vs. Crawford clash for undisputed welterweight supremacy, it’s impossible not to draw comparisons with classics of years past. The 147lb division has always been a hotbed of elite talent, with old-time legends like Ted “Kid” Lewis and Jack Britton, golden era greats like “Sugar” Ray Robinson and Kid Gavilan, and modern era kings Roberto Duran, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, and Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns all leaving their mark on the division’s storied history. The tradition has continued in more recent times, with many of boxing’s top pound-for-pound showdowns taking place at welterweight. Tracing the story of the division over the last 30 years, here’s some of the biggest superfights that paved the way to Spence-Crawford.
Spence vs Crawford: The “IT” Factor
This article was published on TheFightCity.com on July 27th, 2023: https://www.thefightcity.com/finally-spence-vs-crawford-preview-boxing/
It’s taken almost five years, but the superfight we’ve been yearning for is finally here. Saturday sees two of boxing’s finest practitioners square off in a showdown that will crown an undisputed, undefeated welterweight champion. Errol “The Truth” Spence, 28-0 with 22 KOs, brings the IBF, WBC and WBA belts to the table, while Terence “Bud” Crawford, 39-0 with 30 KOs and already a former undisputed champ at 140lbs, brings the WBO strap. The best fighting the best; all the belts on the line. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Fight Report: Naoya Inoue vs. Nonito Donaire II
An edited version of this article was published on TheFightCity.com on June 7th, 2022: https://www.thefightcity.com/fight-report-inoue-vs-donaire-ii-boxing/
Recent months have seen the debate over boxing’s pound-for-pound best blown wide open. Whatever your opinion on the value of such lists, the fact that a good case can be made for several fighters to occupy the top spot of the rankings is surely a testament to the current health of the sport. And one thing is for certain: any discussion of boxing’s elite that does not include Naoya Inoue should not be taken seriously.
Matt O'Brien
Boxing Philosophy 