Naoya Inoue, also known as the ‘Monster’, has recently announced his decision to defend his four 122-lb titles against TJ Doheny in his hometown of Tokyo, Japan. This choice has sparked a significant backlash from fans on social media, who are displeased with the Japanese star’s opponent selection. Many view Doheny as past his prime and lacking the necessary skill to compete at the highest level.
Despite Doheny’s recent success with three consecutive wins, his competition has been lackluster, to say the least. These victories have propelled him up the rankings at 122, but questions remain about his ability to compete with elite fighters in the division. Doheny’s wins against Japanese fighters have garnered him some attention locally, but the international boxing community remains skeptical of his credentials.
Some boxing fans see Inoue’s decision to face Doheny as a missed opportunity to cement his legacy against more formidable opponents. The clamor for a showdown with former IBF/WBA champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev has been loud, with many believing that Inoue should be testing himself against the best in the division. Opting for a voluntary defense against Doheny is seen as a safe choice, one that prioritizes risk aversion over legacy building.
There is a growing sentiment among U.S. fans that Inoue is hesitant to move up to featherweight due to the challenges posed by stronger, more technically sound opponents. The featherweight division is seen as a minefield of talent waiting to test Inoue’s mettle, with fighters like Nick Ball, Bruce Carrington, and Rey Vargas eager to make their mark. The fear of defeat at a higher weight class has left Inoue’s reputation vulnerable to criticism.
As Inoue contemplates his future in the sport, a pack of hungry contenders lurk in the featherweight division, eager to take a shot at the ‘Monster’. The prospect of facing these skilled and formidable opponents has cast a shadow of doubt over Inoue’s willingness to step up in competition. Whether he can overcome his fears and challenge himself against the best in the world remains to be seen.
Naoya Inoue’s decision to defend his titles against TJ Doheny has raised eyebrows in the boxing world. The choice to face a less challenging opponent instead of pursuing a legacy-defining matchup has left fans disillusioned and questioning the ‘Monster’s’ true intentions. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if Inoue can overcome his fears and solidify his status as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the world.