BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
Naoya Inoue has made the decision to defend his undisputed championship at super bantamweight against his IBF mandatory, Sam Goodman. This upcoming fight is set to take place on December 24th in Tokyo, Japan. Inoue, with a record of 28-0 and 25 knockouts, is determined to stay at 122 to face Goodman first and then potentially challenge bantamweight Junto Nakatani in April 2025. The prospect of a clash between Inoue and Nakatani at the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome is an exciting one, especially considering Nakatani’s current possession of the WBC 118-lb title.
There are concerns among boxing enthusiasts about Naoya Inoue’s potential move up to featherweight. Many believe that Inoue will struggle when faced with more talented opponents in that weight class, such as Bruce Carrington, Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Leo, and Nick Ball. In his recent fight against TJ Doheny, Inoue’s performance raised doubts about his capabilities at the featherweight level. Observers noted his inability to throw combinations and reliance on single punches, as well as a decrease in his power effectiveness at 122. These challenges may be contributing to Inoue’s decision to delay moving up in weight and instead focus on maintaining his winning streak against less formidable opponents.
Inoue’s choice to remain at super bantamweight and face opponents like Goodman and Nakatani indicates a strategic approach focused on prolonging his career and success in the ring. By carefully selecting his opponents and weight class, Inoue is aiming to secure victories and avoid unnecessary risks. While this approach may safeguard his record in the short term, it also raises questions about his overall skill and potential. Some fans may view his decision to prioritize wins over challenging matchups as a sign of caution rather than confidence in his abilities.
Future Challenges
As Naoya Inoue continues to navigate his boxing career, the question remains about his ability to excel at higher weight classes and against tougher competition. While his upcoming fights against Goodman and potentially Nakatani offer exciting prospects, there is a lingering uncertainty about how Inoue will fare against elite featherweight contenders. Whether he ultimately chooses to test himself in higher weight divisions or continues to dominate at super bantamweight, the boxing world will be watching closely to see how the future unfolds for this talented but enigmatic fighter.
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