Another terrific matchup was added to the big-fight calendar on Monday when WBC/ WBO super bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton versus multi-weight world titleholder Naoya Inoue was made official for May 7 at the Yokohama Arena in Japan.
Fulton (21-0, 18 KOs) is rated No. 1 by The Ring at 122 pounds. The quick-fisted 28-year-old from Philadelphia has defeated several world-class opponents and he’s on the cusp of pound-for-pound recognition. Many people believe this will be Inoue’s toughest test to date.
Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) became the undisputed bantamweight champion in December. Having outgrown his third division, the Japanese hero immediately targeted the toughest test available at 122 pounds. He will have home advantage against Fulton but is giving away height, reach, and natural weight.
The Sporting News now provides all the information currently available ahead of one of the most sought-after fights in world boxing.
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When is Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue?
- Date: Sunday, May 7
- Start time: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
- Main card: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
- Main event: TBC ET | TBC GMT | TBC AEDT
Fulton vs. Inoue takes place on May 7. According to a press release issued by Top Rank, the main event plus undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. in a special early-morning presentation. The above times will be updated when they become available.
How to watch Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue
Fulton vs. Inoue, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by ESPN+ in the U.S.
As yet, there is no U.K. television information released.
|
Country |
Date |
Channel + Live Stream |
|
United Kingdom |
Sun. May 7 |
? |
|
USA |
Sun. May 7 |
ESPN+ |
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Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue price: How much does the card cost?
The Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue bout will be broadcast on ESPN+ in the U.S. (see below for pricing information)
|
Product |
Prices |
|
ESPN+ Monthly Subscription |
$9.99/month |
|
ESPN+ Annual Subscription |
$99.99/year |
|
The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported |
$13.99/month |
|
The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads |
$19.99/month |
Click here to learn about the different pricing and bundling options with the ESPN+ platform
When is Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue?
The bout takes place on Sunday, May 7, 2022. Undercard and ring walks times are yet to be revealed.
Where is the Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue fight taking place?
The bout will be staged at the Yokohama Arena in Japan. This will be the second time that Inoue has competed at the venue. On the first occasion, the pound-for-pound star scored a shattering one-punch, first-round knockout of Juan Carlos Payano.
The Yokohama Arena opened in 1989 and has a 17,000 seat capacity. Aside from boxing events, it has played host to an array of music stars including Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey.
This will be the first time that Fulton has fought outside of the United States as a pro.
What weight will Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue be held at?
This bout will take place at the super bantamweight limit (122 pounds). Fulton has operated at this weight since his debut in 2014. Inoue will be making his division debut and has already picked up world titles in three weight classes beneath this one (junior flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight).
Is Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue a world title fight?
Fulton is the reigning and defending WBC/ WBO super bantamweight champion. The Philadelphia stylist dominated Angelo Leo (UD 12) to pick up the WBO version of the title in January 2021. Ten months later, “Cool Boy” unified by posting a close majority decision win over WBC counterpart Brandon Figueroa. In his most recent defence, Fulton scored a shutout unanimous decision win over former champ Daniel Roman.
Inoue recently relinquished his bantamweight championship. Over a four-year period, “The Monster” picked up IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine championships, defeating the likes of Payano, Jamie McDonnell, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Nonito Donaire, and Paul Butler along the way. Established as undisputed champion at 118 pounds, the Japanese star was also named the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world by The Ring.
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Odds for Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue
Per Betfair, Inoue is a -250 favourite, while Fulton is the +200 underdog. The draw is +1600.
How to buy tickets for Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue
Ticket information is still to be released.
Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue undercard
- Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue, WBC/WBO super bantamweight titles
- Yoshiki Takei vs. Ronnie Baldonado, super bantamweights
- Kananamu Sakama vs. Ryu Horikawa, light flyweights
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Stephen Fulton record, titles won
- Nationality: American
- Born: July 17, 1994
- Height: 5-6 ½ (169 cm)
- Weight: Super bantamweight
- Reach: 70 ½ inches (179 cm)
- Total fights: 21
- Record: 21-0 with 8 wins via knockout
- Titles: WBC and WBO champions
Naoya Inoue record, titles won
- Nationality: Japanese
- Born: April 10, 1993
- Height: 5-5 (165 cm)
- Weight: Super bantamweight
- Reach: 67 ½ inches (171 cm)
- Total fights: 24
- Record: 24-0 with 21 wins via knockout
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