Tim Bradley has raised new questions about Naoya Inoue ahead of a potential fight with Junto Nakatani, saying the undisputed champion has been beaten too much recently and may starting to feel combative.
“I went back and forth on my choice,” Bradley said on his channel about Saturday’s Inoue vs. Nakatani clash. “I don’t know who I’m going to favor yet. I’ll let you know later, man. I don’t know. I really don’t.”
Bradley explained that Nakatani’s length, timing and counterpunching give him tools that can trouble Inoue more than recent opponents. “Nakatani got a puncher’s chance,” Bradley said. “Anyway, he has to close the distance on him. The thing is, is he going to do it safely?”
He also pointed to a recurring flaw in Inoue’s style, noting moments when the undisputed champion can be caught stepping in.
“He’s vulnerable. He gets hit. He does,” Bradley said. “And so is Nakatani.”
Bradley praised Nakatani’s use of distance and setup game, saying it all starts with his forehand.
“Everything is all based on that lead hand and whether he can draw his opponent in,” Bradley said. “He wants you to achieve so he can teach.”
Still, Bradley sees Inoue as the more adaptable fighter, which is why he can’t fully commit to the upset call.
“You can never predict. You watch Inoue fights, and this guy doesn’t fight the same,” Bradley said. “He always adapts his game according to the style he faces.”
Bradley also questioned whether years of activity could catch up with Inoue after recent fights.
“He got beat up too much,” Bradley said. “I think he’s starting to get battle spirit?”
Even with those concerns, Bradley expects both men to be at their best if the fight takes place.
“It’s going to be a hell of a fight, man,” Bradley said. “These guys are going to beat the living (expletive) out of each other.”
Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Related Boxing News:
Last updated on 2026/04/26 at 17:17
