After his recent stoppage win over TJ Doheny, Japanese boxing superstar Naoya Inoue is facing questions from fans and media regarding his next fights. Inoue expressed his desire to stay busy and revealed that he suffered no damage in the Doheny bout. His Japanese promoter, Hideyuki Ohashi, has confirmed that Inoue’s next fight is scheduled for either December 24th or December 26th. Typically, Japan hosts a major boxing card on New Year’s Eve, offering fans two exciting nights of fights over the festive period this year.
Inoue’s next opponent is likely to be either Sam Goodman, his WBO and IBF mandatory challenger, or Murodjon Akhmadaliev, his current WBA mandatory challenger. Inoue has expressed his openness to facing either fighter and is focused on staying active in the ring. However, the matchup that has generated the most buzz is a potential all-Japanese super fight between Inoue and fellow pound-for-pound standout Junto Nakatani. When asked about the possibility of facing Nakatani, Inoue hinted that Nakatani may first have to get past his brother, Takuma Inoue, who is the current WBA bantamweight champion. Takuma’s recent performances have proven his skill and durability, making him a formidable opponent for anyone in his weight class.
The Potential Super Fight
If Takuma were to face and defeat Nakatani, it would set the stage for a monumental showdown between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani. The rivalry between the two fighters would add an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, with Inoue seeking revenge for his brother’s loss and proving his status as the better fighter pound-for-pound. The prospect of this super fight has fans and analysts alike excited about the future of Japanese boxing.
With all the action centered around the bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions in Japan, the sport is experiencing a resurgence of talent and excitement. The dominance of fighters like Naoya Inoue and the emergence of challengers like Junto Nakatani promise thrilling matchups and high-stakes battles in the coming months. Japanese boxing fans have much to look forward to as their hometown heroes compete on the international stage and set the bar for excellence in the sport.