Referee jumps in one second too late as boxer is brutally knocked out and collapses to the canvas on Naoya Inoue undercard

03/09/2024 09:45

Jin Sasaki scored a destructive knockout which was too quick for the referee to prevent on Naoya Inoue’s undercard on Tuesday.

Japan’s boxing superstar Inoue took centre stage in Tokyo as he staked his undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super-bantamweight world titles against TJ Doheny.

There was plenty of good action on the undercard too.

Japanese welterweight contender Sasaki was particularly impressive.

The 23-year-old went into his fight with a record of 17-1-1.

His Australian opponent Qamil Balla was 15-1-1.

While on paper this appeared to be a semi-even match-up, Sasaki was a clear favourite.

His only loss is to top super-lightweight contender Andy Hiraoka.

Meanwhile Balla had previously been beaten by former lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr.

But in the ring the fight played out as expected as Sasaki was obviously superior.

Balla was gallant in defeat and battled back at all times, but couldn’t help being ultimately overwhelmed.

Sasaki’s versatility in punch selection was key as he attacked Balla from all angles.

He broke his brave opponent down and the end looked nigh when he hurt him with a body shot near the end of round six.

Indeed, in the seventh, the fight did come to a close.

Sasaki once again nailed Balla with combinations to head and body and had him staggering on the back foot.

Balla tried to cover up, but could not avoid the onslaught.

He was nailed with a leaping left hook as he tried to back away and this sent him toppling into the ropes.

Referee Michiaki Someya attempted to jump in between the pair to mercifully stop the beatdown.

However, he was just a second too late and Balla collapsed to the canvas regardless.

He was knocked out on his back and the fight was well and truly over.