The undefeated Japanese Naoya Inoue, at 31 years outdated, will face the British Sam Goodman on January 24 on the Ariake Area, Koto-Ku, in Tokyo, Japan. In a battle that appears like a formality for Inoue, and may simply win. Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) just isn’t a menace to the Monster, and we expect it ought to be his final battle in Tremendous Bantamweight.
If Inoue decides to climb to featherweight, now we have a number of fighters there who’re able to welcome him into this weight class in a title battle. Nonetheless, his crew’s plans may lead him to a preparatory battle first earlier than going through one of many present featherweight champions.
Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza and Angelo Leo are logical candidates. Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton fought one another in February, and the winner may slip his identify onto the checklist. If Naoya needs to battle for a title instantly. Fulton was knocked out by Inoue in 2023 in 8 rounds at super-bantamweight.
One other man on this weight class who may emerge is Robeisy Ramirez. The Cuban misplaced to Espinoza in a controversial battle, and little is understood about his medical scenario after his defeat in opposition to El Divino. Nonetheless, his standing on this weight class opens up a margin for measuring Inoue if he has already recovered his well being.
Nick Ball will face TJ Doheny on March 15, which closes the opportunity of each in opposition to Naoya quickly. Rey Vargas has not gained since 2022, and O’Shaquie Foster nonetheless has not overwhelmed Robinson Conceicao; most probably, they’ll have a 3rd battle after their victories by way of break up choice in each fights.
Though Naoya’s outlook at featherweight just isn’t brilliant, boxing followers stay considering seeing him in opposition to the highest in 126 lb. Persevering with at 122 would waste money and time for the Japanese Monster. His superiority in opposition to the tremendous bantamweight is huge, and we don’t see anybody in a position to cease him or give him a tough battle.
We imagine that in 2025, Naoya ought to step ahead and rise to featherweight. Most followers need to measure his capability in opposition to the 126-pounders. If his crew in Japan decides to let him transfer up in weight, the opponent’s identify needs to be vital.
Naoya Inoue’s place within the LxL lists implies that his featherweight rival have to be an actual contender. On account of their bodily benefits in stature and attain, Rey Vargas and Rafael Espinoza seem like very robust rivals. We don’t know if the Mexicans will have the ability to proceed at featherweight for a very long time; it’s potential that each should go to tremendous feathers, which opens a extra even compass for Inoue on this weight.
After contemplating all the chances, among the many finest contenders within the featherweight, though it appears unlikely, we’re inclined to imagine that the Cuban Robeisy Ramirez could possibly be the chosen one. The reason being that the Cuban nonetheless retains his identify on the high of this weight, and Inoue’s bodily disadvantages wouldn’t be so overwhelming.
No matter who Naoya Inoue and his crew select to make the 126-pound bounce, it’s a undeniable fact that the followers need to see him face one of the best in that weight class. Naoya, for some, seems to be invincible not solely at 126 lbs however even sees him sooner or later, closing his profession and dominating in tremendous featherweight, which appears unlikely.
For now, we are going to accept seeing him achieve weight and measure in opposition to one of the best accessible featherweight throughout 2025. There are names that may shock Inoue at this weight, and we’re desperate to see if he can keep his energy and dominance at this weight.
