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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Japanese champ Inoue draws Pacquiao comparison

Japanese champ Inoue draws Pacquiao comparison

Published Jun 17, 2021 05:30 pm

Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue drew a comparison from Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao as boxing and media personalities pointed out their similarities in speed and power.

Manny Pacquiao (left) and Naoya Inoue (Photos from Manny Pacquiao's Instagram account and Top Rank)

In a mini-documentary by Top Rank Boxing and ESPN, several boxing experts and analysts walked through Inoue's road to superstardom.

And as the story reaches its conclusion, DAZN's Akin Reyes and Timothy Bradley Jr., Pacquiao's former opponent, were among those who pitched in their comparison of Inoue to the only eight-division world boxing champion.

"When you talk about Manny Pacquiao, right, it's a long road to catch up to that guy's career, his accolades," said Reyes. " I mean, he's the most decorated fighter in history in terms of weight classes and titles.

"But that explosive, exciting type of style, Inoue possesses that," added the television sports broadcaster.

READ: Fortune: Pacquiao is the definition of a champion

Bradley, for his part, admitted that he has not seen that kind of "speed and power" since witnessing Pacquiao, who, at 42 will fight 31-year-old Errol Spence for the WBC and IBF welterweight titles.

Bradley knew that too well after experiencing Pacquiao's ferocity first-hand thrice, specifically in 2012, 2014, and 2016.

READ: Former Pacquiao foes favor Spence

"Inoue is more technical, I believe, than Manny Pacquiao," added the two-division world boxing champion. "He's more precise, more accurate with his punches -- nothing wasted. Inoue throws just the right amount of punches at the right time, all the time. Which is extraordinary in the sport."

READ: Inoue's motivation? To face Casimero and Donaire soon

In terms of height and reach, Pacquiao and Inoue, who both brought pride to Asians, aren't that far from each other. The Filipino icon stands at 166cm with a reach of 170cm while the Japanese star is listed at 165cm and 171cm, respectively.

Record-wise, Inoue, 28, is still undefeated in his nine-year career with a clean record of 20-0 on top of 17 knockouts. The 42-year-old Pacquiao, who has been in the sport for more than two decades now, has a 62-7 slate with 39 KOs.

Both boxers will be making a comeback in the ring as Inoue takes on Filipino boxer Michael Dasmarinas to defend his super WBA and IBF bantamweight titles on July 19 at the Virgins Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada while Pacquiao is set to clash with Spence on Aug. 21 also in Las Vegas with the exact venue yet to be announced.

READ: Michael Dasmariñas out to prove worth vs 'Monster' Inoue,

Related Tags

michael dasmarinas Errol Spence Jr. Naoya Inoue Errol Spence Manny Pacquiao
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