The undisputed super bantamweight champion, Naoya Inoue, is considering fighting at Wembley Stadium in London in September. This opportunity comes from His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s upcoming card, which is set to take place on September 21/22 with Anthony Joshua headlining. Inoue, with a record of 27-0 and 24 KOs, would have a chance to showcase his skills on a big stage alongside Joshua, but he would be playing second fiddle to the boxing superstar. Despite the undercard status, the financial rewards might make it a worthwhile venture for the 31-year-old Japanese boxer.
The Trade-Off
Although the prospect of fighting in London on such a high-profile card presents an exciting opportunity, Inoue has primarily fought in his native Japan throughout his professional career. He has only ventured outside of Japan three times in twelve years, raising questions about his willingness to perform on an undercard in London. Inoue recently called out Sam Goodman, the #1 IBF and #1 WBO super bantamweight contender, after his victory over Luis Nery. Goodman, a tough fighter with an 18-0 record and 8 KOs, may not be a household name, but he poses a challenge for Inoue. However, some critics doubt that Goodman has the skill set to trouble the reigning champion significantly.
Criticism for Staying Safe
Inoue has faced criticism from fans for his reluctance to move up to the featherweight division and take on tougher opponents who could test his abilities more rigorously. The Japanese star’s decision to remain in the super bantamweight division has led some to question his willingness to challenge himself against the best in higher weight classes. Fans believe that Inoue’s reluctance to move up to the 126-pound division stems from a fear of tarnishing his reputation by potentially losing to elite competition. While Inoue has secured stardom in Japan, his quest for global recognition as a superstar will require him to step out of his comfort zone and face top-tier opponents in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. To establish himself as a mega-star in the boxing world, Inoue will need to test his skills against elite fighters who are superior to the level of competition he has faced so far in his career.