Naoya Inoue (Ohashi), the 6th-ranked Japanese light-flyweight and highly touted rookie, defeated Thai light-flyweight champion Gaoprajan Chuwatana via KO at 1:50 of the first round in a 50kg-contract eight-rounder at Korakuen Hall on the 5th.
Inoue’s second professional outing concluded with a clinical first-round stoppage. A sharp left hook, timed perfectly over Gaoprajan’s missed right hand, sent the Thai fighter heavily to the canvas, drawing a roar of acclaim from the capacity crowd. Although Gaoprajan managed to regain his feet just before the count of ten, he was unable to maintain his balance or assume a fighting pose, prompting the referee to wave the contest off.
“I am pleased with the KO victory, but I also feel apologetic to everyone who travelled to the venue for such a short fight,” Inoue remarked. “This year, I intend to capture either the Japanese or OPBF title to prove my worth to the fans,” he added, declaring his ambition to secure a championship within the calendar year. Ohashi Gym president Hideyuki Ohashi admitted, “To be frank, given today’s performance, finding the next opponent will be a challenge,” while revealing that the next bout is targeted for April against a world-ranked contender currently under negotiation.
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