Naoya Inoue Pound for Pound: What’s Next for “The Monster”?
Naoya Inoue, widely known as “The Monster,” continues to solidify his reputation as one of the best pound for pound fighters in boxing today. The Japanese star recently defended his undisputed super-bantamweight titles against TJ Doheny on September 3, 2024, delivering yet another dominant performance that has further cemented his legacy across multiple weight classes
Inoue Dominating the Super-Bantamweight Division
Naoya Inoue‘s recent bout against Doheny was a critical fight in his quest to maintain his position at the top of the pound for pound rankings. Inoue, who is currently undefeated with a record of 27-0, secured his victory with a commanding performance, showcasing his powerful combinations and relentless aggression. This win added to his already impressive career that includes titles in three different weight divisions.
Although Doheny, a former IBF super-bantamweight champion, came into the fight as a seasoned competitor, Inoue managed to dominate from the outset, leveraging his speed and power to wear down his opponent. Inoue’s win against Doheny marked his continued dominance at 122 pounds, a weight class where he has already faced and defeated some of the toughest challengers
Is Naoya Inoue the Pound for Pound King?
The victory over Doheny has intensified discussions about Inoue’s standing among the top pound for pound fighters in the world. Many consider him to be the best due to his undefeated record and the fact that he has consistently dismantled high-caliber opponents across multiple weight classes. His explosive power, speed, and technical skills make him a formidable fighter who has earned comparisons to greats like Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather
However, Inoue’s position at the top is not without competition. Fighters like Oleksandr Usyk and Terence Crawford are also vying for the coveted number one spot. Usyk, who has succeeded in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, holds wins over elite fighters like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, making him a strong contender for the top spot. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford has also been a dominant force, especially after his emphatic victory over Errol Spence Jr.
What’s Next for Inoue?
While Inoue remains focused on further solidifying his legacy in the super-bantamweight division, his plans for the future are of significant interest. There is speculation that he might continue to “clean out” the 122-pound division by facing top contenders like Sam Goodman or Murodjon Akhmadaliev. These potential matchups could further enhance his pound for pound credentials and keep him in the conversation for Fighter of the Year honors
There is also the possibility of Inoue moving up to a higher weight class, but for now, he seems committed to dominating at 122 pounds. A move up would certainly bring new challenges and potential blockbuster matchups against fighters in the featherweight or super-featherweight divisions, but it may also risk his unbeaten record. However, as Inoue himself has hinted, he is always looking to evolve and improve, and a move to a new weight class could be an opportunity to prove his greatness once more
Naoya Inoue is undoubtedly one of the most exciting talents in boxing today. His recent victory over TJ Doheny has only reinforced his status as a pound for pound great. With continued dominance in his current division and the potential for future challenges at higher weights, “The Monster” is on a path that could define him as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
Follow NoSmokeBoxing on X