Inoue vs. Nery: Clash for Gold at the Tokyo Dome
In a highly anticipated showdown, Naoya Inoue and Luis Nery are set to clash on May 6 in a battle for the undisputed super bantamweight championship. Nery, who was briefly banned from Japan after failing to make weight for a previous fight, is looking for redemption as he takes on the four-time world titleholder Inoue.
Inoue, who has primarily fought in Japan, is a massive star in his home country and is eager to defend his status as the undisputed champion. The upcoming bout between Inoue and Nery will take place at the iconic Tokyo Dome, adding an extra layer of excitement to the matchup.
The Tokyo Dome, which opened in 1988, has a seating capacity of over 55,000 and has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, baseball games, and even NFL preseason games. Only two professional boxing matches have taken place in the Tokyo Dome, both involving former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
In 1988, Tyson defeated Tony Tubbs via second-round TKO to retain his title, while two years later he suffered a shocking defeat to James “Buster” Douglas in what is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Nery, the underdog in the upcoming fight against Inoue, is looking to channel Douglas’ spirit and pull off a similar upset.
Outside of boxing, the Tokyo Dome is a popular venue for pro wrestling events, with New Japan Pro Wrestling holding its Wrestle Kingdom event there every January. The stadium has also hosted kickboxing and MMA events, further solidifying its status as a premier combat sports venue.
As the date of the highly anticipated showdown between Inoue and Nery approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will emerge victorious and hold the gold as the undisputed super bantamweight champion. Don’t miss the action, exclusively on ESPN+.