Eduardo Nunez vs Masanori Rikiishi Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

Eduardo Nunez might be the most underrated destructive force in boxing.

The Mexican knockout artist, who touts all of his 27 victories by KO, will look to extend his carnage when he clashes with Masanori Rikiishi (16-1, 11 KOs) for the vacant IBF super featherweight world championship in Yokohama, Japan on Wednesday evening.

With the stakes high, DAZN News analyzes the keys to victory, breaking down the fighting tactics of each boxer.

Eduardo Nunez’ keys to victory

Establish a body attack early

Eduardo Nunez does an excellent job at pounding the body early.

Once established, the body attack aids him in two ways: For starters, he is able to force opponents into lowering their guard, working his way inside.

Also, he is able to feint to the body and go around the guard for more devastating results as well.

Against a taller Rikiishi who has a height and reach advantage, this will be key.

Launch the hooks

Nunez’ hooks wrap around opponents’ guards with thunderous force as his most demolishing weapon.

Distraction shots to the body pave the way for Nunez to deliver a right or left hook around the guard — often when foes least expect it.

Relentless pressure

The body shots asserted followed by a few hooks landing with force and the only missing item to destroy opponents’ confidence is relentless pressure.

That pressure with heavy-handed shots landing at will could wilt any fighter’s esteem — including Rikiishi.

Masanori Rikiishi’s keys to victory

Assert the jab

Masanori Rikiishi does own a few inches of height and reach advantage over Nunez and he must use that to establish a jab early.

Best-case scenario, that stick is used to keep Nunez’ knockout power at bay in allowing Rikiishi to control the ring’s real estate.

Rikiishi possesses a crisp jab which is often used to split opponents’ guards so it is possible he can make this a pointed weapon against Nunez, too.

Counter right to catch Nunez

Watch fight footage on Rikiishi and you will see a knack for him delivering a counter right with speed and accuracy.

This could be a major key if Rikiishi is able to land this shot with consistency against Nunez as it could frustrate the Mexican into constantly resetting his offense.

Go over the top

As a tall super featherweight at nearly 5-foot-10, Rikiishi has the luxury of going over the top with overhand rights and right hooks that go around the guard with ease.

He must use this vantage point to his advantage against Nunez because if the Mexican knockout artist is able to step into the pocket, it could be lights out for the Japanese fighter.

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