World Boxing Council bantamweight champion, Frenchman Nordine Oubaali, defended his crown for the second time by defeating Japanese Takuma Inoue by UD, this Thursday at the Super Arena in Saitama, in Saitama, Japan.

In the fourth round, Oubaali sent Naoya Inoue´s younger brother  to the canvas, with a hard left to the face and although he did not halt him, the knockdown proved to be a telling difference and important  factor in this fight. Oubaali was the more technical and faster fighter, using a refined style, which allowed him to overcome an opponent with less experience, but eager to be crowned at home.

The first rounds were of prudent study, with both fighters trying to gauge the distance, set the pace and pierce  the opposing guard. From the third round, Oubaali proved more effective in his offense, but Inoue showed great heart coupled with iron determination.

A well timed left hook to the side of the head sent Inoue to the canvas in the fourth episode. It hurt Takuma but he managed to finish the round.

The pattern of the fight remained the same, with Oubaali showing great speed and power and Takuma trying to counter the attacks.

The Judges` scores were 120-107, 117-110 and 115-112, all in favor of Nordine, who improved his record to 17-0, 12 knockouts, while the younger Inoue, left the ring with a record in 13-1, with 3 knockouts.