WBC Announces a ‘Diamond’ Belt for Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery at ‘Japanese Monster’s’ Request

On the 6th of May, Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed Super-Bantamweight title against Luis Nery at the Tokyo Dome which witnessed Mike Tyson vs. James Douglas in 1990. While Inoue, 31, is 26-0-0, Nery, 29, is 35-1-0 in the sport. Meanwhile, ‘Monster’ defeated Marlon Tapales via a 10th-round KO in December last year in his previous fight to become the first undisputed champion in the super-bantamweight division. On the other hand, ‘Pantera’ stopped Froilan Saludar in the second round of his last fight in July last year.

Now, ahead of Inoue vs. Nery, as per Naoya’s request, the WBC announced they would put an honorary diamond belt on the line too. However, Nery threatened to pull the upset of the year by knocking out ‘Monster’ in Japan.

Five titles on the line for Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery

In March this year, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum called Naoya Inoue “the world’s best fighter“. Although Arum felt Luis Nery was a “tough challenger,” the 92-year-old expected Inoue to win the match with more than 50,000 attendees as witnesses at the Tokyo Dome. However, contrary to Arum’s views, Luis Nery feels Inoue is “overrated“. In Nery’s opinion, Inoue is an ordinary fighter the former can knock out. At this, while fans expected a memorable contest between Inoue and Nery, it was revealed that the two boxers would fight with five titles on the line.

As per talkSPORT correspondent Michael Benson, other than the undisputed Super-Bantamweight title, a WBC “diamond belt” will be in the line for Nery vs. Inoue. “WBC statement says this was requested by Inoue,” wrote Benson. In this connection, one must mention that introduced in 2009, the diamond belt is an honorary title which is awarded to the winner of a historic fight.

In the history of the sport, Manny Pacquiao beat Miguel Cotto to win the first WBC diamond belt. On the other hand, on the occasion of the fight against Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury demanded a diamond belt was put on the line too. Anyway, while Inoue expects to win the diamond belt at Tokyo Dome, Nery hopes to pull the upset of the year.

Luis Nery to end ‘Monster’ early

Lusi Nery feels if he goes the distance of 12 rounds against Naoya Inoue aka ‘Monster’ in Japan, it is likely the decision will be against the 29-year-old. As a result, Nery is “looking for the knockout.” In addition, Nery told BoxingScene that he had the typical Mexican style characterized by his desire to “come forward” and throw punches. However, speaking about Inoue, Nery said, “He’s physically a small fighter – a normal fighter, just like the rest. It could be the upset of the year if I beat him.”

Read More – Naoya Inoue Set to Revive Arena Dead Since Mike Tyson’s Fall In 1990

“I want it to end early. You will see a conditioned, stronger, faster, and intelligent Nery who hits hard,” Nery said. “The fight will definitely end in a knockout. Either I knock him out or he knocks me out,” he added.

With that said, who do you think will ultimately receive the diamond belt? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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