The undefeated Japanese Naoya Inoue, at 31 years outdated, will face the British Sam Goodman on January 24 on the Ariake Area, Koto-Ku, in Tokyo, Japan.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 combat that appears like a formality for Inoue, and may simply win. Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) is just not a risk to the Monster, and we expect it needs to be his final combat in Tremendous Bantamweight.
If Inoue decides to climb to featherweight, we now have a number of fighters there who’re able to welcome him into this weight class in a title combat. Nonetheless, his workforce’s plans could lead on him to a preparatory combat 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 might slip his title onto the record. If Naoya needs to combat for a title immediately. Fulton was knocked out by Inoue in 2023 in 8 rounds at super-bantamweight.
One other man on this weight class who might emerge is Robeisy Ramirez. The Cuban misplaced to Espinoza in a controversial combat, and little is understood about his medical scenario after his defeat towards 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 towards Naoya quickly. Rey Vargas has not gained since 2022, and O’Shaquie Foster nonetheless has not overwhelmed Robinson Conceicao; almost certainly, they may have a 3rd combat after their victories through break up choice in each fights.
Though Naoya’s outlook at featherweight is just not brilliant, boxing followers stay concerned with seeing him towards the highest in 126 lb. Persevering with at 122 would waste money and time for the Japanese Monster. His superiority towards the tremendous bantamweight is extensive, and we don’t see anybody capable of cease him or give him a tough combat.
We consider that in 2025, Naoya ought to step ahead and rise to featherweight. Most followers wish to measure his capability towards the 126-pounders. If his workforce in Japan decides to let him transfer up in weight, the opponent’s title must be vital.
Naoya Inoue’s place within the LxL lists implies that his featherweight rival should be an actual contender. Attributable to their bodily benefits in stature and attain, Rey Vargas and Rafael Espinoza seem like very sturdy rivals. We don’t know if the Mexicans will be capable of proceed at featherweight for a very long time; it’s attainable 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 consider that the Cuban Robeisy Ramirez might be the chosen one. The reason being that the Cuban nonetheless retains his title on the prime of this weight, and Inoue’s bodily disadvantages wouldn’t be so overwhelming.
No matter who Naoya Inoue and his workforce select to make the 126-pound bounce, it’s a incontrovertible fact that the followers wish to see him face the very best in that weight class. Naoya, for some, appears 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 towards the very best obtainable featherweight throughout 2025. There are names that may shock Inoue at this weight, and we’re desperate to see if he can preserve his energy and dominance at this weight.
