Sunday 10 September 2017 07:10, UK
Naoya Inoue blasted aside Antonio Nieves to retain his WBO world title and make a huge impression on his debut stateside.
The Japanese star, 24, showed immense punch power from the first bell and Nieves' corner pulled their charge, who hit the canvas in the fifth, out of the contest at the end of the sixth round as Inoue made the sixth successive defence of his world title.
Already a two-weight world champion, Inoue, nicknamed 'Monster', stalked down and threatened his outclassed American opponent instantly and found a home for his powerful jab to set the tone for the contest.
In the next, Inoue continued to dictate proceedings, taking control of the centre of the ring, landing a huge right hand behind the guard, before a crunching left landed to the body.
Nieves did try to return fire with fire and sent home his own succession of body shots, but 'Monster' quickly regained control, finishing the round with powerful left hooks that left Nieves visibly hurt up against the ropes.
The 24-year-old continued his punishing attack in the third, marching forward and sending home huge combinations to the head and body with little concern about anything that may come back the other way.
The WBO champion, competing in his first fight away from his native country, was clearly intent on producing an explosive performance to make a statement on his American debut.
A thumping left hook to the body was fired home by Inoue in the fifth and another of the same ilk then sent Nieves to the canvas in clear discomfort.
The Cleveland man returned to his feet and despite a minute of relentless pressure, he fought on to hear the bell and sluggishly returned to his corner.
The one-sided domination continued in the sixth round as Inoue, almost in complete cruise control, maintained his front-foot approach and walked down Nieves before, after the sounding of the bell, the American's corner rightfully decided he had taken enough punishment.
