Naoya Inoue has decided to stay at super bantamweight for now, defending his undisputed championship against his IBF mandatory Sam Goodman. This upcoming fight is scheduled to take place on December 24th in Tokyo, Japan. However, there are already talks of potential future matchups for Inoue in the coming months.
Inoue has expressed his desire to defend his title against Goodman before facing bantamweight Junto Nakatani in April 2025. This fight with Nakatani is anticipated to happen at the massive 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome. Nakatani, who currently holds the WBC 118-lb title, will also be defending his championship on the undercard of Inoue vs. Goodman on Christmas Eve. This sets the stage for a potentially exciting clash between the two fighters next year.
There are concerns within the boxing community about Inoue’s potential move up to featherweight. Many believe that he may struggle against the talented opposition in that weight class, such as Bruce Carrington, Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Leo, and Nick Ball. In his recent fight against TJ Doheny, Inoue showed signs of vulnerability that could be exploited by more skilled featherweight opponents.
In choosing to stay at super bantamweight, some critics argue that Inoue is avoiding tougher challenges at featherweight. By facing opponents like Doheny, Goodman, and Nakatani, Inoue may be protecting his legacy and extending his winning streak. However, this strategic decision also raises questions about Inoue’s true potential as a fighter.
Despite his impressive knockout record, some observers have noted limitations in Inoue’s fighting style. His inability to throw combinations and reliance on single punches suggest a lack of versatility in his offense. Additionally, his power may not be as potent at super bantamweight compared to his performances in lower weight classes.
Naoya Inoue’s decision to stay at super bantamweight for the time being raises questions about his willingness to take on new challenges. While he may be prolonging his dominance in the division, the real test of his skills and abilities may come when he eventually decides to move up to featherweight. Only time will tell if Inoue can continue his winning ways against tougher competition in the future.