What’s Next For Naoya Inoue?

January 25, 2025
3 weeks
What's Next For Naoya Inoue?

Naoya Inoue knocked out Ye Joon Kim in the fourth round to retain his Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title as we look at his next possible steps. 

Inoue dominated his opponent from the off to secure his tenth consecutive knockout. He backed up Kim, who offered very little in the fight, during the fourth round. Kim motioned to Inoue to let his hands go. Inoue responded by landing his jab before detonating his right hand to stop him. It was an impressive victory given that Inoue had a late change of opponent. Sam Goodman pulled out twice after suffering a cut in sparring, which failed to heal. In his post-fight comments, Inoue confirmed his plans to fight in the US and Saudi Arabia. Bob Arum also backed up those comments. 

Inoue’s Reaction

“I am so happy to see lots of people in the arena. More than I expected after my opponent has been changed. Sam Goodman was injured twice and my new opponent stood up to me 10 days before the fight. But I feel lots of love from everyone. Thank you so much and I appreciate it. Overall I think it was a bit a good match. [And] I didn’t have enough time to study about my opponent, so I just took some time to see what’s coming from him,” Inoue

“I just want to say another great performance by our champion here. I observe that the great country of Japan has given [LA Dodgers star Shohei] Ohtani to the city of Los Angeles. And at least for one fight the great country of Japan will give this great Inoue to the city of Las Vegas for one fight this spring. So thank you all and I really appreciate it,” Bob Arum

What’s Next?

One of those opponents could be Alan Picasso. He is undefeated with a 31-0-1 record, with 17 wins by knockout. The Mexican is currently in a mandatory position for Inoue’s WBC Super Bantamweight Title. The fight has the potential to sell out on a massive Cinco De Mayo Weekend, which could also be done alongside any Canelo Alvarez fight. Picasso stopped Yehison Cuello in his last fight. 

Another option is to take on Murodjon Akhmadaliev. He has a 13-1-0 record. His only loss came against Marlon Tapales, someone Inoue stopped to become the Undisputed Super Bantamweight Champion. He bounced back from that loss by stopping his last two opponents, Kevin Gonzalez and Ricardo Espinoza Franco. Akhmadaliev is the mandatory for Inoue’s WBA Super Bantamweight Title. Eddie Hearn, who promotes Franco, has accused Inoue of ducking his man. 

There could also be a mega domestic fight with Junto Nakatani. He is 29-0, with 22 wins by knockout, making him a KO artist. Nakatani is the current WBC Bantamweight Champion, meaning he would be moving up in weight. He has knocked out his last three opponents. Inoue does not expect that fight to happen this year, as Nakatani would need some time to adjust to the new weight. But there is an outside chance that it could be announced by the end of 2025 for a bout in 2026. 

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