Apex predator

The thing about Naoya Inoue is that he — apparently — hasn't reached his peak yet.

That's bad news for his prospective opponents.

Moments after Filipino Marlon Tapales got his bid quashed by the Japanese pound-for-pound star, he was asked what advice he would give to those attempting to slay the Monster.

Tapales, who lasted 10 rounds with Inoue, had a short reply.

"Good luck," Tapales said.

Anyone who would climb the ring to face Inoue should carry a lot of it.

Sat at ringside and saw how Inoue conducted his business with Tapales at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

He is brutal. Savage. The complete package.

He's got the killer instinct of a cheetah.

Against the crafty Filipino southpaw, Inoue was at his best once again as he scored a lopsided stoppage victory that boosted his stock.

Next up for him is Mexican Luis "Pantera" Nery, known for his punching power and bravado.

Though a heavy hitter, Nery is easy to send crashing to the floor.

And if Inoue hits him, it doesn't look like he is going to get up.

So, who's out in the wild that's got a chance of dethroning him?

Well, there's this guy who can match or even surpass Inoue's mighty presence.

The problem is John Riel Casimero doesn't have the solid connections to enable him to talk with the men who matter.

Still, Casimero is that guy.

Casimero is brash and heavy-handed like Inoue.

Casimero is not intimidated by Inoue and he wouldn't care if he finds himself trading power blow after power blow with the undisputed world super-bantamweight titlist.

The fellow has traveled all over the world and won against topnotch opposition.

If only his current handlers could work a deal with the right people like MP Promotions' Sean Gibbons — who used to represent him before the two went separate ways — Casimero will see himself in line for a shot at Inoue.

But that's another story.

In the meantime, Inoue continues to ravage through the 122-lb ranks like no other.

Expect Nery to suffer the same fate as Tapales.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev? He won't go past six.

Naoya Inoue is the man of the moment.