Boxing
As Grave Injury Reported, Junto Nakatani Summarizes Naoya Inoue’s Boxing Skills After Defeat
Click here to watch Benavidez vs. live tonight. Zurdo!
Turki Alalshikh hinted at a possible return of Terence Crawford in 2027 in a social media post. The comment appeared alongside photos from the ring, which continued the discussion about a future fight around the former champion.
Turki used a clear caption to signal a sedate idea, posting ringside photos with Terence Crawford and hinting at a 2027 return, adding the line: “Maybe 2027 if he wastes his money.”
By suggesting a 2027 return under the guise that Crawford will have to spend his career earnings, Alalshikh uses his typical mix of humor and public pressure to keep the P4P star in the biggest possible matchups in the sport.
With the legend Terence Crawford… Maybe in 2027 😉 if he wastes his money 👺 pic.twitter.com/9ssjqo7D7U
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) May 2, 2026
Turki has made no secret of his desire to see Crawford in a rematch with the Mexican superstar. While Crawford seemed content with his legacy, the lure of another massive payday in 2027 fits the timeline of a one-off spectacle rather than a return to a division where he will have to face younger fighters at 168 years senior.
The “2027” teaser is clearly based on the assumption that Canelo remains a viable option. Canelo vs. fight announcement Mbilli’s arrival in Riyad in September completely changes the situation.
If Canelo loses to WBC super middleweight champion Mbilla, Turki’s plan for a rematch with Crawford will become obsolete.
Alalshikh is counting on Canelo’s endurance to overcome Mbilla’s youth and high work rate. He will be relying on senior man strength to withstand a hungry first-class Mbilla. If this bet falls through in September, photos from Tokyo could be the last time Crawford and Alalshikh signal their approach to a mega fight with Canelo.
If Canelo thinks like a businessman, and he usually does, leaving Mbilli out makes sense. Why risk a $100+ million payday in 2027 against Crawford by getting carried away or potentially retained by a guy with a fraction of his name value?
Alvarez may present a rematch with Crawford as the only fight fans want to see. He can argue that he has already conquered the 168-pound division and that Mbilli’s WBC belt is just plastic compared to the P4P stakes in the rematch with Bud.
Last update: 2026/05/02 at 13:49
Naoya Inoue defended his titles and undefeated record with a 12-round unanimous decision over Junto Nakatani in front of a huge crowd at the Tokyo Dome. The scores were 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113. The fight turned out to be more technical and disciplined than the explosive war many expected from two fistfighting talents.
Click here to watch Benavidez vs. live tonight. Zurdo!
Inoue (33-0, 27 KO) took the lead from the first bell. He used a stiff jab and immediate body work to disrupt Nakatani’s rhythm. Nakatani (32-1, 24 KO), fighting as a contender at this elite level, spent most of the early stages of the fight in a reactive state, trying to initiate an attack against the champion’s speed and accuracy.
For the first five frames, Inoue commanded the pace. He easily split Nakatani’s guard and varied his attack between the head and body. While Nakatani was able to handle left hands from time to time, he lacked the strength to take rounds away from the champion in the first half of the contest.
In the middle rounds, Nakatani found his balance. He achieved his greatest success in the sixth set, launching acute counterattacks that seemed to catch Inoue’s attention. By the eighth and ninth, Nakatani pressed forward with uppercuts, briefly forcing Inoue to retreat. It was a energetic change that made the fight look like it could turn into a grueling battle of attrition.
However, Inoue showed why he is a star who fights non-stop. He tightened his guard and focused back on his body to blunt Nakatani’s aggression. A clash of heads on the tenth kick resulted in a cut to Nakatani’s left eye, an injury that seemed to dampen the challenger’s momentum just as he was doing intriguing things.
The eleventh round was Inoue’s finish. He dictated the distance with his jab and landed ponderous uppercuts that sent Nakatani backing away. It was the most dominant round of the evening, effectively sealing the result before the final bell.
The two traded shots in the 12th, but Inoue remained composed. Inoue remained cautious in the championship rounds, not taking unnecessary risks.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last update: 2026/05/02 at 10:51
As Grave Injury Reported, Junto Nakatani Summarizes Naoya Inoue’s Boxing Skills After Defeat
Women’s Rankings Explained, April 2026
Inoue vs Nakatani Undercard match results from Tokyo Dome
-
Opinions & Features1 year agoPacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
-
MMA1 year agoDmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
-
Results1 year agoStephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
-
Results1 year agoKeyshawn Davis Ko’s Berinchyk, when Xander Zayas moves to 21-0
-
Video1 year agoFrank Warren on Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin – ‘I THOUGHT OTTO WOULD GIVE DEREK PROBLEMS!’
-
Analysis1 year agoRobert Garcia discusses the debate on the greatest Mexican warrior in history
-
Video1 year ago‘DEREK CHISORA RETIRE TONIGHT!’ – Anthony Yarde PLEADS for retirement after WALLIN
-
Results1 year agoLive: Catterall vs Barboza results and results card