Summary
- Naoya Inoue, a Japanese boxer, is the current WBA, IBF, and The Ring super bantamweight champion.
- Inoue is scheduled to defend his titles against either Murodjon Akhmadaliev or Sam Goodman in September or December.
- Akhmadaliev is a former WBA and IBF super bantamweight champion, while Goodman is the IBF and WBO #1 contender.
- Inoue has expressed that he is willing to relinquish his titles if necessary to avoid mandatory title defenses and fight the opponents he desires.
- Inoue’s promoter, Bob Arum, has indicated that a fight against the unknown Akhmadaliev is unlikely to happen, as Inoue is a major star in Japan and they do not want to risk his status by facing an unfamiliar opponent.
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TOC
Ahmadaliiev’s Withdrawal and Inoue’s Dilemma
Inoue’s Potential Opponents: Doheny and Goodman
Inoue, the WBA and IBF world super bantamweight champion, is set to defend his titles in September against TJ Doheny, the former IBF world champion and current WBO #2 contender. This fight is expected to take place in Japan. Additionally, Inoue is also in negotiations to face Sam Goodman, the IBF and WBO #1 contender, in a title defense in December, which could also be held in Japan.The WBA’s Mandatory Title Defense Order
The WBA has ordered Inoue to defend his title against Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the WBA #1 contender. The negotiation period for this fight is 30 days, until July 14th. If no agreement is reached, the WBA can order a purse bid. Inoue’s team is hoping to extend the mandatory defense deadline, as he holds the WBA “super” title, which typically has an 18-month defense period.Inoue’s Preference and Promoter’s Stance
Inoue’s team has expressed a preference to face Doheny and Goodman, rather than Akhmadaliev. Inoue’s co-promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, has stated that they have no interest in facing the “unknown” Akhmadaliev, as Inoue is a major star in Japan and deserves to face more well-known opponents.Akhmadaliev’s Background and Credentials
Akhmadaliev is a former WBA and IBF world champion, having won those titles in 2020 before losing them later that year. He is a skilled boxer with heavy punching power, but may not have the same level of global recognition as Inoue’s other potential opponents.Inoue’s Future Plans and Potential Challenges
Inoue has expressed that he is not opposed to facing Akhmadaliev, but would prefer to focus on unifying the division by facing Doheny and Goodman. However, he acknowledges that he may need to relinquish the WBA title if the mandatory defense is not made. Inoue’s goal of becoming an undisputed champion could be complicated by the various mandatory title defenses required by the different sanctioning bodies.Fans’ Perspectives and Preferences
Many fans are eager to see Inoue face more high-profile opponents, such as Doheny and Goodman, rather than the lesser-known Akhmadaliev. However, some fans also recognize the importance of mandatory title defenses and are simply happy to see Inoue fight regularly, regardless of the opponent.Q&A: Ahmadaliiev Withdraws, Inoue Pleads Return
Q: Who is Ahmadaliiev and what is his boxing record?
Ahmadaliiev is a Uzbekistani boxer who has a professional record of 13 wins (9 KOs) and 1 loss. He won the WBA and IBF world super lightweight titles in 2020 but lost them later that year. He is currently the #1 ranked contender by the WBA in the super lightweight division.
Q: Why does Bob Arum, the CEO of Top Rank, say they have no interest in having Inoue fight Ahmadaliiev?
According to reports, Bob Arum stated that they have no interest in having Inoue fight the “unknown” Ahmadaliiev, saying “Who is this guy Ahmadaliiev? Nobody has heard of him.” Arum suggested that Inoue should fight more well-known opponents rather than the relatively obscure Ahmadaliiev.
Q: What are Inoue’s options for his next fight if he decides not to fight Ahmadaliiev?
If Inoue decides not to fight Ahmadaliiev, his other options include defending his titles against mandatory challengers such as Sam Goodman from Australia, who is ranked #1 by the IBF and WBO. Inoue could also potentially unify titles against other champions in the super bantamweight division.
Video: BREAKING NEWS: Ahmadaliiev withdraws, boxing fans rejoice, but ultimately… “Please come back” – Naoya Inoue’s voice is beyond imagination
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