Naoya Inoue Covers The Ring Magazine July 2026 Issue

Naoya Inoue graces the cover of The Ring Magazine's July 2026 edition following his May victory over Junto Nakatani that secured both his undisputed junior featherweight championship and recognition as the top pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.

The issue, now available at newsstands, includes ringside coverage of the Tokyo superfight by managing editor Tom Gray, who documented the week leading up to what he termed Inoue's career-defining performance. The Ring also features an interview with Shingo Inoue, the 2025 Trainer of the Year and architect behind Japan's most decorated boxing dynasty, conducted by contributor Daisuke Sugiura.

What Else Is Inside The Ring's July Issue

Beyond the Inoue spotlight, the magazine examines Rafael Espinoza's circuitous route to a world title after years of red-tape delays, David Benavidez's declaration that he could climb beyond cruiserweight following his three-division conquest, and the simmering tension between Claressa Shields and Mikaela Mayer ahead of their potential superfight. The two middleweights have described each other as sisters but now frame themselves as rivals.

Historical pieces round out the lineup. Michael Rosenthal revisits the U.S. Boxing Team's gold rush at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, still considered the peak of American amateur boxing, while Don Stradley chronicles Jersey Joe Walcott's heavyweight title-winning left hook delivered at age 37.

Copies are available at Barnes & Noble locations nationwide and through The Ring's digital subscription service.

Source: ringmagazine.com