'The Monster' handed his fellow Japanese pound-for-pound superstar a first professional loss on Saturday in a gripping encounter.

Victory for Inoue at the Tokyo Dome reaffirmed his undisputed super-bantamweight status, but raised questions on his future, too.

The star has already been linked to a potential bout against Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez, currently operating two divisions beneath him.

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DAZN FACE OFF: Wardley vs. Dubois

Watch explosive encounter here

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Inoue appeared to suggest that an exit from his current class may be his next move, though, after tipping Nakatani for glory.

"I think he's a definitely a fighter who will become a champion in the super bantamweight division," he was quoted by The Ring.

"[Nakatani] is a Japanese pound-for-pound fighter who has risen through the ranks. There was pressure not to lose, it was a tense fight,

"I'm relieved to have won. In rounds eight, nine and ten, I thought it might be okay to give up a few points, hold back a little and concede."

Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN

The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.