Maxboxing 2023 Fighter of the Year - Naoya Inoue

A year ago, Naoya Inoue was the undisputed bantamweight champion. Inoue talked of jumping to 122 pounds and becoming undisputed there.

Last July, Inoue fought Stephen Fulton, the reigning WBC and WBO super bantamweight titleholder. Many picked the undefeated Fulton to defeat the fighter nicknamed "The Monster."

Fulton was coming off a dominant win over Daniel Roman. This after going toe-toe with Brandon Figueroa and coming out on top. "Cool Boy Steph" is super-fast and athletic. 

Inoue had started his career at 108 pounds. This jump was too ambitious, several experts said. Fulton would do the job. Inoue was sharp and on point from the opening bell. He outboxed the slickster and stalked.

Fulton tried to stay with him, but could not. Inoue beat him in every conceivable way. The ending was stunning.

A right hurt Fulton badly. A follow-up up left sent Fulton sprawling on his back. The Philadelphia fighter was shocked and hurt. He somehow beat the beat the count. Inoue attacked and let fly until the referee waved the fight off. 

Monsterous. 

A few weeks ago, Inoue challenged IBF and WBA super bantamweight champion Marlan Tapales. Inoue stopped the determined Tapales in round 10. 

Undisputed again, the second time in two years. 

His achievement earns him the Maxboxing Fighter of the Year for 2023.