Naoya Inoue, also known as ‘Monster’, has recently announced his decision to defend his four 122-lb titles against TJ Doheny in September, in his hometown of Tokyo, Japan. This move has been met with criticism from fans who are unhappy with Inoue’s choice to take on the 37-year-old Doheny, who is perceived as past his prime and lacking the caliber to challenge Inoue for his titles.
While Doheny has managed to secure three consecutive wins in his recent fights, it is important to note that his opponents have not been of the highest level. These victories have elevated Doheny in the rankings, placing him at #2 WBO, #6 WBA, #7 IBF, and #9 WBC in the super bantamweight division. However, these wins have come against Japanese fighters, which may have influenced his rankings and created some level of interest in the upcoming fight against Inoue.
Despite his recent success, there are doubts about whether Doheny truly belongs among the top 10 fighters in the super bantamweight division. His wins against relatively unknown opponents may not be enough to establish him as a credible challenger for Inoue’s titles. Fans had hoped to see Inoue face off against more formidable opponents, such as former IBF/WBA champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev, who is ranked #1 WBA and presents a more significant challenge for Inoue.
There is a growing belief among fans, particularly in the U.S., that Naoya Inoue is apprehensive about moving up to the featherweight division. The fear is that facing tougher competition at 126 lbs could expose Inoue to fighters with similar punching power and technical skills that could potentially disrupt his dominance in the ring. Fighters in the featherweight division, such as Nick Ball, Bruce Carrington, and Rey Vargas, are seen as formidable opponents who are eagerly waiting for a chance to challenge Inoue.
Naoya Inoue’s decision to defend his titles against TJ Doheny has raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. The choice to face a comparatively lesser opponent has led to speculation about Inoue’s willingness to take on more challenging fights in the future. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the upcoming match, it remains to be seen whether Inoue will be able to uphold his reputation as a dominant force in the sport or if he will succumb to the pressure of facing tougher competition.