Inoue denied statement win after hip injury to Doheny

Naoya Inoue had started patiently against TJ Doheny. At first, the undisputed super-bantamweight champion was content to parry jabs and press forward gently.

- ALEX PATTLE

But as yesterday’s main event in Tokyo progressed, the “Monster” began to sharpen his claws. And just as Inoue was starting to slash at Doheny, the Irish veteran was perhaps saved by an injury – ill-timed for the fans in the Ariake Arena, superbly-timed for the fading challenger.

“Fuck!” yelled the 37-year-old Doheny, clutching his hip or lower back – it was difficult to ascertain the specific spot that was afflicted, given the size of those gloves. His stray shout landed somewhere in the quiet, respectful crowd. He proceeded to limp over to Inoue, apologising for the abrupt end to the fight, which denied the four-weight world champion a statement win.