Naoya Inoue’s opponent TJ Doheny expects swift return from back injury

The team of TJ Doheny say the fighter’s back injury, sustained in the seventh-round of his loss to Naoya Inoue in Japan on Tuesday, is a short-term issue, but they have no doubt it was serious enough to cause the end of the fight. 

The Australia-based Irishman’s manager, Mike Altamura, was disappointed that the end came as it did, but sympathised with his fighter.

“Essentially, two shots late in the sixth round, two left hooks, and Inoue hit him in the small of the back on the right side; when he came back to the corner he was absolutely cooked,” Altamura said. “He could hardly sit down on the stool. Hector [Bermudez, his trainer] had a chat to him, gauged where he was at, gave him the opportunity to continue but it was clear in the seventh that he just was in no condition to continue from that point. But [it was an] exceptionally valiant effort. 

“It was a back spasm from getting hit in the wrong spot multiple times, because he actually took another one there in the seventh, obviously. A little bit of rest and recovery – a few days – he’ll be okay. There’s nothing structurally wrong – just a spasm.” 

Altamura also paid tribute to Doheny’s coach, Bermudez, for the game plan that meant Doheny enjoyed his moments before the stoppage.

“Hector Bermudez [is an] underrated trainer and one of the best in the sport,” said Altamura. “I want to say in regards to the fight, I’m really proud of TJ’s efforts. I think it’s sad; it’s painful for us. 

“Now we’re four wins and one loss in Japan, but I think with the spirit and bravery with which he fought the contest, we’ll be back here very soon. A lot of people didn’t give him much of a chance but he went out there on the back foot, pot-shotted and outlanded ‘The Monster’ in rounds three and four and Inoue had to make some tactical changes. We’re really proud of TJ, but we give all credit to Naoya Inoue, of course.”

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Bermudez maintained that the damage was caused in the sixth.

“I know Inoue did a little flurry [at the start of the seventh] but that wasn’t what injured him – he was already injured in the previous round,” said the trainer.

“TJ’s doing fine now; he’s seen the doctor; he’s a little shook up still; he caught an injury in the round beforel; looks like the sciatic nerve. He tried his best to come out in the seventh round; it just hurt him too bad.”