Inoue-Nery and three additional world title fights will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT
Jason “Mayhem” Moloney to defend his WBO bantamweight world title against Yoshiki Takei
Japan’s top boxing talent is set to headline an unprecedented event in the nation’s boxing history. The reigning junior featherweight world champion, Naoya Inoue, will put all his titles on the line against the formidable Mexican contender Luis Nery on Monday, May 6, at the Tokyo Dome.
The showdown between Inoue and Nery, along with three other world title fights, will be streamed live in the U.S. exclusively on ESPN+ in the early hours. Among these, Australia’s WBO bantamweight champion, Jason Moloney, will put his title up against the promising knockout specialist and former kickboxing champion, Yoshiki Takei.
The event will also showcase Naoya’s younger sibling, Takuma Inoue, the WBA bantamweight champion, defending his title against Sho Ishida. Additionally, a flyweight world title fight will see the newly crowned WBA champion, Seigo Yuri Akui, face Taku Kuwahara in a rematch of their 2021 bout that ended in Akui’s victory by TKO in the 10th round.
Top Rank’s Bob Arum expressed his admiration for Naoya Inoue, predicting a successful defense against Nery in front of a massive Tokyo Dome crowd. He also highlighted the undercard, particularly praising Moloney’s determination to prove himself as the top bantamweight in the world.
The Tokyo Dome, with its limited yet memorable boxing history, opened in 1988 and hosted its last professional boxing event in 1990, featuring one of the sport’s most shocking upsets.
Inoue boasts an impeccable record, having remained undefeated in world title fights with an impressive streak of knockouts. He achieved undisputed champion status in record time, earning accolades for his performances.
Luis Nery, the Mexican fighter once crowned in two divisions, knows the deck is stacked against him. Yet, he’s not shying away from a chance to shock the boxing world in Tokyo.
Nery is set to take on the formidable Naoya Inoue for the undisputed junior featherweight world title this coming Monday, May 6, at Tokyo’s iconic Tokyo Dome. This marks the venue’s first boxing spectacle since James Douglas famously floored Mike Tyson back in February 1990.
The fight card kicks off early, streaming live for U.S. viewers on ESPN+ at 4 a.m. ET (1 a.m. PT) featuring Inoue-Nery as the main event and three additional world title fights.
In the second main fight, Australia’s Jason Moloney defends his WBO bantamweight title against Yoshiki Takei. Naoya’s brother, Takuma Inoue, will defend his WBA bantamweight title against Sho Ishida. Meanwhile, Seigo Yuri Akui faces Taku Kuwahara in a flyweight title rematch.
Previously, Nery clinched the WBC bantamweight title in 2017 but moved up to junior featherweight after a hiccup with weight management, capturing the WBC title again in 2020. Despite a setback in 2021, he’s rebounded with four consecutive victories.
Speaking from El Paso, Texas, after a rigorous training session, Nery expressed his readiness and determination. He equated his upcoming fight with Inoue to a soccer player’s World Cup dream, emphasizing the significance of fighting for undisputed status. Nery highlighted his adversary’s strengths but also pointed out his perceived vulnerabilities.
Nery boldly predicted a knockout victory, underlining the high stakes and his readiness to risk everything in pursuit of glory. He drew parallels to the Tyson upset at Tokyo Dome, suggesting it might be an omen for Inoue’s first defeat.
Moloney, who captured his world title after several attempts, has defended his title abroad and looks forward to continuing this trend in Japan against the unbeaten Takei. Moloney relishes the opportunity to compete in Japan, aiming to leave a lasting impression and extend his fan base internationally.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday, May 6
- Start Time: 4 a.m. ET (1 a.m. PT) / 9 a.m. UK Time
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Venue: Tokyo Dome
Updated Fight Card:
- Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery – Undisputed Junior Featherweight Title
- Jason Moloney vs. Yoshiki Takei – WBO Bantamweight Title
- Takuma Inoue vs. Sho Ishida – WBA Bantamweight Title
- Seigo Yuri Akui vs. Taku Kuwahara – WBA Flyweight Title Rematch