Naoya Inoue the “Monster” of Japanese boxing and world boxing has etched his name into the annals of the sport already.
His recent victory in last fight over Luis Nery was a fight that saw him rise from the canvas after being dropped.
Not once but three times — which showcased not just his physical prowess but also the indomitable spirit that has become his hallmark now.
He simply refuses to lose.
He can get hurt and dropped, then arise, get back up, again and again, and not only win — but win by knockout as Nery found out earlier this year.
Maybe, in that fight, in some ways, you can say Inoue’s voyage in the fight was similar to the ancient Japanese story of the phoenix.
A mythical bird that rises from the ashes.
Like the phoenix Inoue has faced adversity earlier in 2024.
Only to emerge stronger and more determined.
Even though he’s undefeated as a pro life has not been easy for Inoue nor has some of his boxing career either, clearly, as the Nery fight showed.
That fight against Nery was close to ending him completely.
But it didn’t.
The Japanese way of life is steeped in traditions of perseverance, honor and what they call giri (a sense of obligation) — has without question shaped Inoue’s character.
In Japan the phrase “立ち直る” (tachi-naoru), which translates in English “to rise again” — encapsulates the resilience that Inoue demonstrated in the ring earlier this year.
It’s a concept deeply ingrained in Japanese society reflecting the belief that even in the face of adversity — one can overcome challenges and find strength.
Tomorrow September 3rd 2024 Inoue’s brick fists return to a more happy stomping ground in Japan too as he bids to dispel those knockdowns further against TJ Doheny.
He returns to the Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku for tomorrow’s big championship match that sees the IBF, WBC and WBO world super-bantamweight titles all on the line.
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