Inoue vs Nakatani & Benavidez vs Ramirez Makes for Blockbuster Saturday 

A much-anticipated weekend is upon us, with two major boxing events spanning Japan and the United States. In the wee hours of Saturday morning in the US time zone, Naoya Inoue faces Junto Nakatani in a true super fight taking place at the Tokyo Dome. Later in the evening, David Benavidez challenges Zurdo Ramirez as part of the customary Cinco De Mayo celebration in Las Vegas. Inoue vs Nakatani can be streamed on the DAZN App. Benavidez vs Ramirez is available on Amazon Prime PPV, DAZN PPV, or as part of DAZN Ultimate subscription. For boxing fans, this may be the best weekend of the year, so let’s dissect the keys to these great matchups.

Inoue vs Nakatani is a fight that’s been marinating for around two years. For a brief moment, it seemed as though the fight would happen last year. Lucky boxing fans didn’t have to wait all that long, so let’s detail the X’s and O’s. Both men have elite-level hand speed, skill, and power. Inoue is 5 years older than Nakatani, but doesn’t appear to be out of his prime. Prior to their last bouts, the betting odds were much closer. After Junto Nakatani struggled against Sebastain Hernandez, the boxing public now strongly favors Inoue to get the job done.

The southpaw Junto Nakatani is the best opponent his countryman Inoue has faced on paper. This pairing of top 10 pound for pound fighters in the world will have this boxing podcaster along with everyone else tuning in on the edge of our seats. Will the wealth of experience Inoue has compared to Nakatani be enough to tame the young lion? Or will a changing of the guard occur? Nakatani does have a 3-inch height advantage, but it’s basically even when it comes to their reach.

The power and explosiveness make for intriguing moments throughout the possible 12 round distance. The betting odds call for a stoppage slightly over a full 12-rounder. Generally, at the highest levels of this sport we don’t tend to get a knockout given the talent and chins both possess.  That said the perfectly landed punch can do enough damage, and both boxers have read deal power.  The overall versatility of Inoue is the deciding item for this boxing junkie.

Inoue a strong favorite sitting around –400 up to –500. Nakatani slated as a live dog anywhere from +310 all the way up to +350. Inoue by decision can be found for +180 and +105 by stoppage. Nakatani by decision is a whopping +750 and +500 by stoppage. Inoue by decision is the best bet that can be hedged by Nakatani money line. The odds may be wider than before but make no mistake; this is a super fight with two ultra talented boxers going to battle.

My Official Prediction is Naoya Inoue by decision. 

David Benavidez versus Gilberto Ramirez promises to be not just a meaningful matchup at cruiserweight but should produce plenty of action in the ring. Both men have fought at the 168-pound weight limit, but Zurdo made the move up in weight sooner. Ramriez has settled in at cruiser quite nicely so it will be David who must see how he performs at his first test above 175 pounds. Let’s begin breaking down the important items for each boxer to get their hand raised on Saturday night.

Neither combatant is known for their defense, yet both are a little better than given credit. Zurdo employs a high guard that can be effective at times. His feet tend to be his best defense as he’s shown the ability to move well on the outside or take a step to the side to clear space after landing punches. David uses the high guard the closer he gets to his opponent. The more underrated part of Benavidez on the defensive side is blocking incoming punches with his gloves. Once David has his timing right, he can block a punch and deliver his own all in one motion.

Ramriez may be more comfortable in this weight class, but that doesn’t automatically equate to being a more physical fighter. Zurdo will have to attack the body of Benavidez to wear him down. Footwork is an interesting factor as previously mentioned for Ramirez defensively. Benavidez’s footwork is mediocre at best with his wide stance and a habit of squaring up in front of his foes after punching. That said Benavidez can cut off the ring and trap Gilberto on the ropes. Ramirez must stay off the ropes and clinch or use his feet to create distance ongoingly throughout the rounds.

This boxing podcaster believes at the end of the day David Benavidez has the faster hands and will be the straighter, accurate puncher. As the rounds go by, we will see Ramirez throwing wide punches. Zurdo  has a habit of reaching too much with his punches. Gilberto will have to position himself all the way outside or up closer to make sure he’s not at the end of Benavidez’s punches. David’s style will bring the best out of Zurdo making for an entertaining main event.

From a betting perspective, David is a large favorite on the money line at –460 all the way up to –600. Ramirez, a very live dog sitting around +320 to +350. Benavidez decision is –140 and by stoppage +270. Ramirez decision is +500 and +800 by stoppage. The hedge is sitting right there, so don’t get too picky with an exact method of victory. Instead, take the money line if you’re betting on Zurdo.

My Official Predictions is David Benavidez by Decision.

PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000764230488

Side Note: Undercard bouts to keep an eye include Inoue vs Ioka, Duarte vs Fierro, and Munguia vs Resendiz.

Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio