The bizarre moment that denied Naoya Inoue a victory over TJ Doheny

Naoya Inoue got off to a patient start against TJ Doheny. At first, the undisputed super bantamweight champion was content to parry jabs and move forward gently. But as the main event in Tokyo on Tuesday progressed, the “monster” began to sharpen his claws. And just as Inoue began to strike at Doheny, an injury may have saved the Irish veteran – at an inopportune time for the fans in the Ariake Arena, at a perfect time for the faltering challenger.

“F***!” screamed the 37-year-old Doheny, clutching his hip or lower back — given the size of those gloves, it was difficult to determine the exact area involved. His stray cry landed somewhere in the quiet, respectful crowd. He limped on to Inoue and apologized for the abrupt end to the fight that denied the four-weight world champion a clear victory.

After Inoue's patient start, he had begun attacking the body of his left-handed opponent. A dogged Doheny tried to fight back but looked increasingly tired, his mouth hanging open while his breathing became increasingly labored. Inoue also became more versatile in his offense, gradually varying his aim. That's how it often is: hit the body and the head will make itself available.

And just when Inoue was starting to look like his old self again – boxing's questionable No. 1 pound-for-pound contender, the undisputed king in two divisions – Doheny's body finally gave up. His hips or his back did it in the seventh round, before Inoue could see if his challenger's chin would.

Inoue thus defended his undisputed super bantamweight title, albeit in a much easier manner than last time; in May, the 31-year-old had to recover from a surprise first-round knockdown, ultimately knocking down Luis Nery three times en route to victory.

There were no knockdowns and no brutal victory on Tuesday. Inoue was hoping for a signature stoppage, and indeed a stoppage came, but not the one he had in mind. Nevertheless, the Japanese superstar retained his belts and remained undefeated, with 25 knockouts to go 28-0.

Inoue said in the ring after the result was announced that the win was due to “an accumulation of damage that I inflicted on him.” In fairness, it's possible that Doheny's injury was caused by Inoue's punishment of the Irishman's body.

“Tonight I really wanted to take the fight round by round,” Inoue added. “I wanted to slow down and do damage to my opponent. This fight didn't end the way we expected, but if you want to have a career like this, [maybe this can be useful].

“I'm still improving. I want to recognize how TJ Doheny won the fight tonight and I want to celebrate his career.”

His promoter Bob Arum then announced that Inoue would return to Japan at the end of the year and then travel to Las Vegas for his own “celebration” in the USA.

Inoue's fearsome skills have always exceeded his star status internationally, but not at home. And recently, his sphere of influence has even expanded overseas. And that will remain the case when Inoue lands in Las Vegas in 2025.