Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez isn’t the only star fighting on Cinco de Mayo weekend. Pound-for-pound star Naoya “The Monster” Inoue will also make the walk to take on Mexican challenger Luis Nery at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

While Alvarez might be the most popular boxer in the game right now, Inoue is the most dominant. He occupies the No. 1 spot in Bleacher Report’s latest pound-for-pound rankings and it would be shocking to see him lose it this weekend.

Inoue has vaulted to the top of the most pound-for-pound list while collecting world titles in four different weight classes. Lately, he’s made a home at 122 pounds where he has now won two fights and four belts.

He’ll put all of those belts on the line against Nery, a two-time world champion in his own right.

Here’s a look at all the information you’ll need to catch the fight and see if Inoue can keep his dominant streak going.

Fight Schedule, Odds and Live Stream

When: Monday, May 6 at 4 am ET

Where: Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan

Live stream: ESPN+

Odds: Inoue -1400 (bet $1400 to win $100); Nery +800 (bet $100 to win $800)

Tickets: Vivid Seats

Odds courtesy of DraftKing’s Sportsbook

Preview and Prediction

Inoue’s moniker is “The Monster” but “The Machine” would be applicable too. It’s hard to find many flaws in his game and his ability to completely overwhelm his opponents is the best in the game.

Inoue hasn’t just collected titles, he’s done it in style. Only three opponents have even made it to the cards with him and one of them, Nonito Donaire, was obliterated by second-round TKO in the rematch.

If there were any concerns about his transition to 122 pounds after winning belts at 108, 115 and 118 pounds he has certainly put them to rest.

The only thing you can really say about this matchup is that Nery is going to present a style he hasn’t really seen at super bantamweight.

Stephen Fulton was a good athlete and defensive fighter. Marlon Tapales was able to get his fight with The Monster to the 10th round with a highly defensive game plan. His shell made it hard for Inoue to land his power shots for a while but eventually broke down under the pressure.

Nery might not be good enough to pull the upset but he is going to stand there and force Inoue to showcase his defense.

The 29-year-old is a powerful fighter in his own right. He has scored knockouts in 27 of his 35 career victories including his last three fights.

In the best-case scenario, Nery is as good of a puncher as Inoue. But even if that’s true he’s not nearly the technician and doesn’t hold a speed advantage.

In a battle of punchers, Inoue’s varied attack which includes plenty of body blows is going to wear down Nery and likely add another knockout to his record.

Prediction: Inoue via sixth-round TKO