Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery Preview and Free Pick

The boxing world will come to a standstill this Monday, May 6, when Japan’s Naoya “Monster” Inoue puts his undisputed super bantamweight championship on the line against Mexico’s Luis “Panther” Nery at the iconic Tokyo Dome.

It’s a super fight between two of the hardest punchers in the lower-weight classes. Both bring impressive knockout credentials to the ring, with 53 combined wins. The Monster vs. the Panther is a fitting nickname showdown for what promises to be an all-out action war.

For Inoue, it’s another chance to thrill his adoring home fans while enhancing his legacy as one of the most successful fighters in boxing today. The three-belt unified champion has traversed the 122-pound division, leaving a trail of devastated challengers in his wake.

But Nery represents his stiffest test to date. The Mexican is himself a former two-time bantamweight champion who has fought and won in Japan before. His only loss came in a gutsy stand-up against Brandon Figueroa in 2021.

The Tokyo Dome has hosted many legendary nights of boxing over the decades. The Inoue-Nery showdown seems destined to join those ranks and potentially surpass them. With national pride and boxing immortality on the line, both pugils will risk everything when they meet in the center ring.

When and Where?

Monday, May 6, 4:00 am ET at the Tokyo Dome, JP

Ring Walks Time:

(Estimated) 6:00 am ET

Moneyline odds:

Naoya Inoue 1.036

Luis Nery 10.90

Where can I watch it?

ESPN/Star+

Why Bet on Naoya Inoue?

Naoya Inoue has taken the boxing world by storm since turning pro in 2012.Nicknamed “The Monster” for his incredible power and aggressiveness, he has stopped 23 of his 26 opponents inside the distance.

In just his sixth professional fight, Inoue claimed his first world title by demolishing Adrian Hernandez in the sixth round to capture the WBC light flyweight championship. He then went on to make seven successful defenses before moving up to super flyweight in search of bigger challenges.

Inoue moved up through the super flyweight division, winning the WBO title in his divisional debut by knocking out Omar Andres Narvaez in 2 rounds. He added the IBF and Ring belts with an equally destructive performance against Emmanuel Rodriguez, scoring three knockdowns in round 2.

With two world titles, he ventured to bantamweight in 2019 to participate in the World Boxing Super Series. He dismantled Nonito Donaire in a thrilling Contender of the Year fight to become the WBA and IBF bantamweight champion.

Inoue cemented his claim as the top dog at 118 pounds by outpointing undefeated Australian Jason Moloney. He stopped Moloney in 7 rounds to pick up the WBO strap and achieve undisputed champion status.

At just 31 years old, he has already accomplished more than most fighters do in an entire career. He now sets his sights on Mexican power puncher Luis Nery as the next challenger to his reign of dominance.

Why Bet on Luis Nery?

Luis Nery has taken an unconventional path to his world title shot against Naoya Inoue. The Mexican boxer first made a name for himself by winning the 2017 WBC bantamweight title against Shinsuke Yamanaka in Japan. However, he then tested positive for the banned substance zilpaterol, and the result was changed to null and void.

After serving a suspension, Nery regained the WBC bantamweight title in a rematch against Yamanaka in 2018. After that, he moved up to super bantamweight in search of another world title.

Nery’s first shot at a super bantamweight belt was against Aaron Alameda in 2020. He dominated en route to a unanimous decision victory to capture the vacant WBC title. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the belt in his first defense against Brandon Figueroa in 2021 by knockout.

Despite the setback, Nery stayed in contention and earned another title shot against Inoue with three straight wins. Now, the Panther can regain a 122-pound title and establish himself as the top dog in the division if he can hand Inoue his first professional loss.

Final Betting Analysis: Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery

Both Inoue and Nery possess frightening power and speed, making them two of the most dangerous punchers in boxing today.

However, Inoue’s versatility, IQ, and adaptability give him a slight edge. The Monster has proven he can box masterfully, when necessary, as evidenced by his clinical dismantling of Nonito Donaire. But Inoue also has no qualms about standing in the pocket and fighting when the opportunity presents itself.

Nery is more of a straightforward pressure fighter who stalks his opponents relentlessly. While his aggressive style has led to many exciting knockouts, it could play into Inoue’s hands if he can time his entrance.

We expect an action-packed fight that will likely end in the late rounds. Inoue’s bodywork will slowly break Nery down until he scores a technical knockout around rounds 10-12.