Japanese boxing sensation Naoya Inoue has been making waves in the sport, establishing himself as a pound-for-pound star with his impressive performances in the ring. In his most recent fight against TJ Doheny, Inoue showcased his skills once again, securing a stoppage victory in the 7th round. Despite the win, questions are arising about when he will step back into the ring and who his next opponent will be.
Following his triumph over Doheny, Inoue expressed his desire to stay active and revealed that he did not sustain any damage during the fight. His Japanese promoter, Hideyuki Ohashi, announced that Inoue is expected to have his next match on either December 24th or December 26th. The tradition of hosting a major boxing event in Japan on New Year’s Eve adds to the anticipation of Inoue’s upcoming bout, potentially against either Sam Goodman or Murodjon Akhmadaliev, his mandatory challengers.
One of the most intriguing prospects for Inoue is a super fight against his countryman Junto Nakatani, a fellow pound-for-pound contender. When asked about the possibility of facing Nakatani, Inoue acknowledged the significance of Nakatani defeating his brother Takuma first. Takuma, the current WBA bantamweight champion, is a formidable opponent in his own right and could serve as a tough challenge for Nakatani. If Nakatani manages to overcome Takuma, the stage would be set for a colossal showdown between Inoue and Nakatani, with revenge and supremacy on the line.
The outcome of a potential matchup between Takuma Inoue and Junto Nakatani holds key implications for the boxing landscape in Japan. Should Takuma emerge victorious, the anticipated showdown between Naoya Inoue and Nakatani would take on even greater significance, setting the stage for a thrilling clash between two top fighters in the region. However, if Nakatani manages to defeat Takuma, it would only add fuel to the fire, fueling the anticipation for a monumental encounter between him and Inoue.
The boxing world eagerly awaits the next moves of Naoya Inoue as he continues his pursuit of greatness. The potential showdown with Junto Nakatani looms large on the horizon, promising an epic battle between two of Japan’s brightest talents. With each fighter looking to make their mark on the sport, the stage is set for a historic collision that could redefine the landscape of boxing in Japan.