Trainer Bernie Davis Comments on Inoue Hand Wrap Situation

Terence Crawford’s trainer, Bernie Davis, weighed in on the hand wrap method used by Naoya Inoue following his recent fight against Alan David Picasso, after officials had Inoue rewrap his hands before the bout.

Picasso’s team raised an objection during the pre-fight process ahead of the contest at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh. After the issue was reviewed, officials required Inoue to rewrap his hands, and the fight went ahead as scheduled.

Speaking in an interview with MillCity Boxing, Davis questioned why the situation arose at all, particularly given the equipment already in use on fight night.

“Why would Naoya need to wrap his hands when he’s already using baby gloves?” Davis said.

The wrapping method discussed involves placing tape directly on the hand before gauze is applied. That approach is permitted under Japanese rules, but it can draw closer scrutiny in other jurisdictions, where commissions may require adjustments if concerns are raised during inspection.

Davis said the issue placed Inoue in a position that could have been avoided.

“You can’t do that over here,” Davis said. “I don’t know where he’s been getting away with that. You don’t want to put that on, but now you’ve put yourself in a situation.”

Davis also said wrapping practices can become a concern once a fight begins and moisture comes into play.

“It’s like a cast because when those things get wet, then they harden up,” Davis said. “So it was like it was hardening up.”

Inoue was allowed to rewrap his hands and completed the fight without further incident. No wrongdoing was alleged by officials, and the bout was not delayed once the issue was addressed.

Still, Davis said situations like this can affect how performances are viewed, regardless of outcome.

“I want my credit,” Davis said. “I don’t want nothing tainted on me. It’s just sad that people do that. It’s a cruel world.”