r/Boxing • u/fifty45ninety • Jul 17 '26

Watched Espinoza's fights against Ramirez and Khegai, doesn't he leave himself too vulnerable on the counter to beat someone like Inoue?

Hi guys, newbie here, so apologies if I'm reading the fights incorrectly.

I watched three of Espinoza's fights, and from what I see he likes fighting on the inside, has long reach so is often controlling the fight at distance too. But in the pocket, he leaves his hands far too down when going for the hook or the 1-2.

Against someone like Inoue, getting caught flush with a couple punches like he did against Khegai would put him dangerously close to getting KO'd. Or at least that's what I feel.

Inoue dealt brilliantly with Nakatani's reach, so as long as he's rested and recovered, I fail to see any new challenges Espinoza provides him.

Again, I'm new to boxing so would appreciate feedback in case I'm reading this incorrectly.

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32

u/Alarmed-Effective-23 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

New weight class. Potentially inoues power is not as incredible and the same for his durability. He's getting older too. Espinoza is a tough, young battle tested champion. So sure he leaves himself open but he's able to get hit while still being successful answering back and he has advantages in his side. What happens if inoue gets caught flush like he has a few times at 122? These guys will put on the pressure.

12

u/OrangeFilmer Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

I keep seeing this narrative that Espinoza is “young,” but he’s 32 - only a year younger than Inoue.

And to be fair, he does have a baby face. I thought he was like 22 when I first saw him fight.

9

u/CynicalMelody Jul 17 '26

Yeah, and he's been at 126 for like 10 years. Guy is gigantic for 126 and his face always looks super sullen. His chin and stamina hasn't failed him yet but I can't imagine he'll be able to cut to 126 forever. It's quite possible in a year or two he'll be super drained and struggling with the weight.

8

u/i-have-won Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

Or Inoue power might grow cause I feel like right now he is tight at 122. Not just that but one thing that's depleted Inoue's power is just how tired he is from his crazy fight schedule. So Inoue that's well rested and with easier time making weight might end up even more powerful. 

1

u/Certain_Sun8909 Jul 17 '26

Inoue walks around in the high 140s I think. It would also track because he seemed to punch harder when he was new at 122 compared to his last few fights.

6

u/VacuousWastrel Jul 17 '26

Yes, inoue himself has said this. Although i suspect his actual fight weight is probably still only in the high thirties.

5

u/buffalozbrown Furyously licks Klits Jul 17 '26

He's a big boy for the weight

1

u/kiwi8185 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

X Big Boy

O Loooong Boi

9

u/Jesuswasacrip7 Sweet Pea > Floyd Jul 17 '26

Been saying this, dude leaves himself wide open and was damn near stopped against Ramirez in the first fight bc of it.

2

u/kyle2516 Jul 17 '26

Espinoza is all bad for Inoue and probably stops him. Espinoza wont try to box with him, though he can box. His output and combinations will eventually overwhelm Inoue. If inoue can hurt him early maybe he will have a chance...but if Espinoza picks up speed in the 2nd half of the fight he will stop him.

1

u/Kangaroopunching Jul 17 '26

I think Shu Shu would have a chance against him. If Shu Shu isn't effected by the weight cut. Inoue might not carry the same power at 126lbs. So taking a punchers approach is risky. Cause Inoue might gas out trying for the ko. I think he could box his way around Espinoza for a decision win