Talk in an interview with MillCity BoxingDavis questioned why the situation arose in the first place, especially given the equipment already in use on fight night.
“Why would Naoya have to fold his hands if he’s already using baby gloves?” Davis said.
The wrapping method discussed involves placing tape directly on the hand before applying gauze. The approach is permitted under Japanese rules, but it may draw closer scrutiny in other jurisdictions, where commissions may require adjustments if concerns are raised during inspection.
Davis said the issue puts Inoue in a position that could have been avoided.
“You can’t do that here,” Davis said. “I don’t know where he got away with that. You don’t want to put it on, but now you’ve put yourself in a situation.”
Davis also said wrapping practices can become a concern once a fight starts and moisture comes into play.
“It’s like a throw because when those things get wet, then they harden,” Davis said. “So it was like it hardened.”
Inoue was allowed to refold his hands and finished the fight without further incident. No foul play was claimed by officials, and the fight was not delayed once the issue was addressed.
Still, Davis said situations like this can affect how performances are viewed, regardless of the outcome.
“I want my credit,” Davis said. “I don’t want anything infected on me. It’s just sad that people do that. It’s a cruel world.”
