Japanese boxing sensation Naoya Inoue has decided to stay put at super bantamweight for the time being, defending his undisputed championship against IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman. This upcoming fight is set to take place on December 24th in Tokyo, Japan. However, Inoue has his eyes set on facing bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani in April 2025 at the iconic Tokyo Dome. Nakatani, who holds the WBC 118-lb title, will also be defending his belt on the undercard of Inoue’s fight against Goodman, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster showdown between the two Japanese fighters.
There are concerns among boxing fans and pundits about Inoue’s potential move up to featherweight in the future. Many believe that he may struggle against the talented opposition in that weight class, including fighters like Bruce Carrington, Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Leo, and Nick Ball. In his recent fight against TJ Doheny, Inoue showed signs of vulnerability and was unable to throw combinations effectively. This has led to doubts about his ability to succeed at featherweight, prompting him to stay at 122 and face less challenging opponents for the time being.
While some view Inoue’s decision to stay at super bantamweight as a smart strategic move to ensure continued success, others see it as a sign of his limitations as a fighter. By opting to face older opponents like Doheny, weaker punchers like Goodman, and smaller fighters like Nakatani, Inoue may be trying to prolong his winning streak and avoid more formidable competition. This cautious approach raises questions about his true potential and whether he is as dominant as previously believed. Inoue’s power is not as threatening at 122, forcing him to take more shots and rely on single punches rather than combinations to win fights.
Naoya Inoue’s decision to remain at super bantamweight for the time being has sparked debate among boxing fans and experts. While some see it as a wise choice to secure more victories, others view it as a lack of confidence in his abilities. The upcoming fights against Goodman and Nakatani will provide valuable insights into Inoue’s future in the sport and his potential to compete in higher weight classes. It remains to be seen whether Inoue can overcome the challenges ahead and establish himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.