A Monster Stirs in Nagoya: Can the Pound-for-Pound Great Keep His Undefeated Record?
Less than twenty-four hours after what will almost assuredly be the boxing match that defines this decade, if not this century, the greatest boxer to ever fight out of Japan will make the walk for his 31st professional bout. Pound-for-Pound number one, knockout artist, “Kaibutsu,” “The Monster,” Naoya Inoue has become the mantle where many such nicknames hang. These monikers are not without justification; the 32-year-old, undisputed Junior Featherweight champion of the world has managed to string together a pristine record of 30-0-0 with 27 of those wins coming by KO. A knockout percentage of 90% in the lower weight classes is unheard of, especially one against such high-level opposition. All the more reason his upcoming title defense is a must-see.
The future Hall of Famer has been scheduled to fight at least three times a year since 2023, a level of activity completely unheard of among nearly all his Pound-for-Pound peers. Rumors were abound on the identity of his next opponent. Junto Nakatani, the seventh-ranked Pound-for-Pound fighter, was a name at the forefront of the whispers and rumblings. Both countrymen had faced off earlier in the year and verbally agreed to meet in the ring to settle who the title of greatest Japanese boxer belonged to. It seemed all but assured that Nakatani and Inoue would meet sooner or later-- but scheduled fights, weight, and belt obligations forced their meeting to be postponed. Enter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn, known as one of the loudest but most effective promoters in the sport, made waves after accusing Inoue of “ducking” his fighter, Murodjon Akhmadaliev. MJ boasts a respectable record of 14-1-0, with his only loss coming by way of one of Inoue’s former opponents, Marlon Tapales. The boxing world was abuzz with discussions and remarks on the worthiness of MJ with respect to a title shot. How could a man who was beaten by someone Inoue knocked out present any challenge to the undisputed champion? Both promoter and boxer pleaded their case for months, while the latter went on to collect three more wins over high-level opponents. Finally, after much time and dedication, MJ was rewarded with his own crack at the undisputed champion. A long-awaited and arduous journey will reach its finale early Sunday morning. Yet, still, one question remains: why is Inoue already scheduled for another defense this coming December?
Inoue, in the days leading up to this latest challenge, has been scheduled to fight incoming contender, David Picasso, at the end of this year in December. This would make it the fourth title defense of Inoue’s in the calendar year. The confidence exuding from the tested champion is percolating the air around Nagoya. The co-main event for that evening will feature another challenger of Inoue, his Pound-for-Pound peer, Nakatani. Junto will debut at Junior Featherweight to make his statement on why he is the most deserving challenger. The waves of change are crashing against the shores of Japan. A weekend that will catalyze the future of Japanese boxing, if not the sport of boxing as a whole, is upon us. The best fighting the best. Legacy was born in front of the eyes of fans around the world. What better time than now to be a fan of boxing?
