Inoue Shows Dominance and Retains Titles in Japan; Next Challenge in Arabia

Naoya Inoue demonstrated his dominance in boxing by successfully defending his undisputed super bantamweight titles, achieving a unanimous victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Nagoya, Japan. The judges awarded scores of 118-110 and 117-111, all in favor of Inoue, solidifying his position as one of the best boxers in the world. After the victory, 32-year-old Inoue confirmed his next fight in December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is expected to face undefeated Mexican David Picasso on December 27. In the fifth defense of his WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, and Ring titles, Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) delivered another masterful performance, outclassing Akhmadaliev (14-2, 11 KOs) systematically. Inoue, known as “The Monster”, controlled the fight from the beginning, establishing his strategy with a quick and effective left jab. Although Akhmadaliev had some moments, Inoue responded forcefully, prevailing in most exchanges. Inoue’s footwork was crucial, moving with agility and connecting precise blows to his opponent’s head and body, gradually wearing him down. Akhmadaliev tried to connect his powerful right hand, but Inoue, with his skill, managed to evade most of the attacks.

In the eighth round, Akhmadaliev’s frustration was evident. Inoue, with speed and precision, connected quick combinations and moved away, demonstrating his superiority. Akhmadaliev’s face showed signs of the blows received, while Inoue seemed intact, even inviting his opponent to attack. Although Akhmadaliev managed to connect a right in the last round, it was too late. Inoue maintained his undefeated record with relative ease. In the co-main event, Christian Medina was crowned WBO bantamweight world champion by knocking out Yoshiki Takei. Medina (26-4, 19 KOs) dominated from the start, sending Takei (11-1, 9 KOs) to the canvas in the first round with a powerful right hand. Medina’s confidence grew, and he continued his attack, culminating in the fourth round with a series of uppercuts that forced the referee to stop the fight.