via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 31: Naoya Inoue celebrates defeating Jason Moloney (not pictured) in their bantamweight title bout at MGM Grand Conference Center on October 31, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 31: Naoya Inoue celebrates defeating Jason Moloney (not pictured) in their bantamweight title bout at MGM Grand Conference Center on October 31, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
A hand-wrapping controversy has become an obstacle to a title fight. On July 25, Stephen Fulton Jr. is scheduled to defend his super-bantamweight titles against Naoya Inoue in Tokyo, Japan. Inoue has been on the radar for the title fight for a substantial amount of time. He boasts an undefeated record of 24 victories and no defeats. However, what is more impressive is his knockout ratio. In 24 victories, the Japanese secured a whopping 21 KOs, giving him a 88% knockout ratio.
The boxing world is eager to see the bout take place. However, there has been some off-court fiasco that may result in the fight being called off. During their press conference, Fulton Jr.’s coach Rahim made an objection about the excessive tape used by Naoya to wrap his hands. This revelation made the rounds in the boxing community over safety concerns. However, Naoya Inoue addressed the controversy and the fans showed him support.
Fans weigh in on hand wrapping controversy between Naoya Inoue and Stephen Fulton
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Inoue pointed out the fact that in Japan, an excessive amount of tape is allowed during hand wrapping. And mentioned that he is merely abiding by the rules of the Japanese boxing-sanctioning authorities.
He stated, “Japan has it’s own rules. Even in the US, there is local news in each state, and winding methods are different. Our fight is held to be on 25, so of-course I will follow the Japanese rules. Don’t suck it, just fight.”
‼️ Naoya Inoue fires back at the controversy surrounding his hand wraps ahead of the Stephen Fulton fight on Tuesday… pic.twitter.com/l5sH1PvJzk
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 23, 2023
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This is how the fans reacted:
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Basically he’s a cheater
— Street Poet (@MyPoetryHurts) July 23, 2023
However, fan Damian does not consider it “cheating” as per the rules of the commission.
Why are people acting like Inoue is allowed to wrap his hand one way and fulton differently?
They are both allowed to wrap their hands the same way..
— Damian (@DRP9618) July 23, 2023
Meanwhile, Jared is of the opinion that Fulton is merely trying to make an excuse and is “scared”.
Yeah Fulton is scared lmao, he can wrap his hands the same way. Real fighters know this doesn’t make as much as difference as he thinks it does.
If he’s letting a different way of wrapping dictate the biggest fight of his career, expect him to get knocked out in 4
— ✝️Jared 🐐 (@KapeKooper) July 23, 2023
One fan G10R6IO asserted that the champion should be the one to calling the shots and Inoue should abide by his terms.
Inoue fan, but he’s not a unified champ at 122, he’s only the challenger – Fulton is the unified champ and A side.
Naoya is the B side, so how’s he calling shots?
If he’s confident with his natural power, he should be grateful Steph’s in Japan and fight without double-stacking
— G10R6IO ♻️ (@thecatalyst610) July 23, 2023
Lastly, Gee (Pollo) is curious to know the reason behind why Fulton is not wrapping the hands the same way.
Why don’t fulton just hand wrap the same way.
— Gee (Pollo) (@BoxingGee) July 23, 2023
It is safe to say that the controversy has ignited distinct opinions. But the issue is grave and may jeopardize the bout. Until the next revelation, what are your opinions on this fiasco? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Stephen Fulton vs. Naoya Inoue: Date, Time, Venue, Tickets, and Livestream
