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Naoya Inoue

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The native form of this personal name is Inoue Naoya. This article uses Western name order when mentioning individuals.
Naoya Inoue
Inoue in 2023
Born
井上 尚弥

(1993-04-10) 10 April 1993 (age 31)
Zama, Kanagawa, Japan
Other namesThe Monster
(怪物 Kaibutsu)[2]
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm)[1]
Reach67+1⁄2 in (171 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights28
Wins28
Wins by KO25
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  Japan
Asian Youth Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2010 Tehran Light flyweight

Naoya Inoue (井上 尚弥, Inoue Naoya, born 10 April 1993) is a Japanese professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes, and is one of only three male boxers in history (along with Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk) to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the "four-belt era".[3][4] He currently holds the record for the most wins in unified title bouts in bantamweight history, at 7, surpassing Rubén Olivares at 6. Nicknamed "The Monster", Inoue is known for his exceptional punching power, possessing a knockout-to-win percentage of 89.28%, with 91.30% in world title matches. And according to BoxRex Inoue has scored more 10-8 rounds(42) than 9-10 rounds(40).[5][6]

He is the first and only boxer to win the undisputed championship[a] at super bantamweight, having held all four major titles since 2023, as well as the Ring magazine title. Previously he held the undisputed championship at bantamweight between 2022 and 2023, and the Ring title. He became the first undisputed bantamweight champion since Enrique Pinder in 1972, and the first boxer in history to do so in the four-belt era.[7]

Earlier in his career, Inoue held the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title in 2014, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior bantamweight title from 2014 to 2018, and the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title (Unified version) from 2018 to 2019.[8] He has also held the lineal championship at bantamweight[9] and super bantamweight,[10] and won the 2018–2019 World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament.[11]

In June 2022, Inoue became the first Japanese boxer to be ranked No. 1 in the world, pound for pound, by The Ring[12][13] and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.[14] He was named Fighter of the Year in 2023 by The Ring, the Boxer Writers Association of America, and ESPN.[15][16][17]

Amateur career

[edit]

Inoue won the Japanese Interscholastic Athletic Meeting and the Japanese Junior National Championships in 2009. In 2010, he took the bronze medal in the Asian Youth Championships in Tehran, Iran, and won the Japanese Junior Selection Tournament. He then participated in the AIBA Youth World Championships, but lost to Yosvany Veitía in the third preliminary round. He finished in the second place at the Japanese National Championships in the same year.[18]

In July 2011, he took the gold medal in the 21st President's Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia.[19][20][21] He subsequently won the first place in the Japanese Interscholastic Athletic Meeting in that year.[18] However, he was eliminated in the third round by Yosvany Veitía in the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships at the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, and lost to Birzhan Zhakypov in the final at the 2012 Asian Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan.[22] Inoue holds a KO win over future world champion Kenshiro Teraji in the amateurs. Inoue's amateur record was 75–6 (48 KOs).[22]

Highlights

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Professional career

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Light flyweight

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Inoue vs. Omayao

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Inoue turned professional in 2012, signing with Ohashi Boxing Gym. Of his own volition, he signed an agreement with Hideyuki Ohashi to never fight against easy opponents.[23][24] On 2 October 2012, he fought against Filipino national champion[22] Crison Omayao, and won his debut via a fourth-round knockout.[25]

Inoue vs. Chuwatana

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On 5 January 2013, Inoue made a light work of Thai national champion Ngaoprajan Chuwatana, by scoring a first round knockout.[22]

Inoue vs. Sano

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Inoue's third pro fight took place on 16 April 2016, against Japan's number one-ranked light flyweight boxer Yūki Sano. Inoue dominated and knocked out Sano in the tenth round. Which set up his next fight against Japanese light flyweight champion Ryoichi Taguchi[26]

Inoue vs. Taguchi

[edit]

On 25 August 2013, Inoue captured the Japanese light flyweight title from the WBA's number three-ranked contender, and future WBA, IBF, and Ring magazine light flyweight champion, Ryoichi Taguchi. This was seen as Inoue's toughest test thus far but in the end he dominated and battered Taguchi over ten rounds.[22][27]

Inoue vs. Mancio

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After the big win against Taguchi, Inoue then fought for the vacant OPBF light flyweight title against Filipino light flyweight champion Jerson Mancio on 6 December 2013 on the undercard of Yaegashi-Sosa. Inoue defeated Mancio with a 5th-round TKO to claim the regional title. Earlier that day, his younger brother, Takuma Inoue, made his professional debut with a unanimous decision victory.[28]

Inoue vs. Hernández

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Inoue stopped Adrián Hernández (29–2–1, 18 KOs) to be crowned the WBC light flyweight champion in his sixth professional bout at Ota-City General Gymnasium on 6 April 2014. In doing so, Inoue set the record for winning a major world championship in the fewest professional fights for a Japanese boxer.[8] Hernández was a two time champion, who had gone 8–1 in world title bouts, and was ranked at No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB. The all action slugger from Mexico was regarded as the division’s best fighter. That was before he ran into Inoue. Six very one sided rounds later, Inoue had claimed his first belt in just his sixth pro fight and at only 20 years old. While going up against the #1 rated junior flyweight in the world, Inoue treated the bout like a sparring session and dominated the fight from beginning to end.[29]

Inoue battered Hernández, like an unknown singer on the X Factor blowing everyone away the second she opens her mouth. Inoue, right from the opening bell, shocked everyone with his confidence and assertiveness. He swept the first four rounds with constant aggression, excellent timing, astonishing accuracy, and damaging power. Like a pint sized George Foreman, the heavy handed challenger showed Hernández no respect, landing thunderous blows and battering the champion from one side of the ring to the other. To his credit, Hernández came back in round five, briefly seizing the initiative and connecting with some strong left hooks, but Inoue responded to the attack, landing his own heavy shots in return. In round six, Inoue again took charge, deciding matters with another two fisted assault, a powerful right hand finally putting the brave champion down.[30][31][32]

Inoue vs. Kokietgym

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Inoue's sole defense of his light flyweight title came against Samartlek Kokietgym (17–5, 5 KOs) in September 2014. Inoue routed Kokietgym, winning every round on all scorecards and dropping his opponent twice before finally stopping him in the 11th round.[33]

Move up to super flyweight

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Inoue vs. Narváez

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In November 2014, Inoue vacated his light flyweight title and moved up two weight classes to super flyweight to challenge two division champion and current WBO junior bantamweight title holder Omar Andrés Narváez (43–1–2, 23 KOs), Narváez was ranked No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB. The Argentine southpaw was considered the best super flyweight in the world and among the best technicians in the sport.[34] The fight was scheduled for 30 December 2014. Narváez had never been stopped or dropped through more than 14 years as a pro, and came in having fought in 30 career title fights. His only loss had come by a decision to hard hitting Nonito Donaire at bantamweight in 2011. Narváez had won his first world championship in 2002, before moving up to capture a title at super flyweight in 2010, making twenty seven title defenses of his belts since. Narváez had reigned as champion for 12 years, while Inoue arrived at the fight with a 7–0 record.[35]

Despite Inoue’s impressive dismantling of Adrián Hernández, many observers were wondering if the inexperienced power puncher was setting himself up for a boxing lesson and a major setback when he agreed to next face super flyweight king Narváez. The signing shocked many boxing pundits in Japan, some wondering if the young Inoue was underestimating the experienced and capable two division champion, a tough veteran of some 30 world title fights. Suffice to say, no one anticipated what took place this past December. To say Inoue defeated or knocked out Narváez would be a massive understatement; he demolished him. From the opening bell he dominated, his astonishing power and accuracy allowing him to control every aspect of the fight and keep the Argentinian on the defensive. It was a completely one sided battering. Inoue’s body punches, unerring missiles of pain, landed again and again, setting up the blows aimed upstairs. A right hand to the head put Narváez down just thirty seconds in. A left hook floored him thirty seconds after that. In the second a left hook to the body put Narváez down again, and at the end of the round another left hook, this one to the liver, ended the fight. Narváez collapsed and was counted out. The night ended with Inoue capturing his second major title. He accomplished the feat in record breaking fashion by doing so in just his eighth pro fight, the fastest run to two belts in boxing history.[36]

Immediately after the fight, Narváez's corner complained in the ring. "A champion can't fall like that. He must have put lead or something in his gloves. Let us check right now!" When Inoue's promoter Hideyuki Ohashi removed Inoue's gloves in the ring and had his opponent check, there was no trickery. When Ohashi asked, "What's going on?" Narváez's trainer replied with a wry smile, "He's a great new champion!". Afterwards Narváez praised the 21-year-old new champion, saying, "It was like a punch from a fighter in a higher weight class. That boy has a great future ahead of him.[37] Inoue become the first and only fighter to stop Narváez. Inoue’s blitzing of Narváez was that dominant, it send shock waves through the boxing world, and many now believed Inoue is a top 10 pound-for-pound fighter, and deserve serious consideration for Fighter of the Year.[38][39]

Inoue vs. Parrenas

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Inoue suffered an injury with the punch that put Narvaéz down the first time. In response to Inoue being sidelined, the WBO issued an interim title bout between two of its top-ranked contenders, David Carmona and Warlito Parrenas. The winner would have the right to face Inoue following his comeback.[40] The fight was ruled a split draw after 12 rounds[41] but Inoue chose to face Parrenas regardless in his comeback bout on 29 December 2015. Parrenas was blown out in a similar manner as Narváez. The referee waved off the fight in the second round, after Parrenas was dropped twice and he could not get up, giving Inoue a KO victory.[42]

Inoue vs. Caromna

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Inoue would then face Carmona in May 2016, suffering another hand injury midway through the fight. Because of his hand injury, Inoue made the conscious decision to win on points. But in the 12th round Inoue rallied himself to get the stoppage and threw a barrage of punches which dropped Carmona. Carmona barely beat the count and was on unsteady legs. Inoue continued the onslaught with flurry of unanswered punches. But the referee did not bother to stop the fight and Carmona saw the final bell. Inoue would eventually win a comfortable unanimous decision (118–109, 118–109, 116–111).[43]

Inoue vs. Kokietgym

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Inoue's third defense came against Petchbarngborn Kokietgym on September of that same year. Inoue was unable to get a quick finish, but he unleashed a flurry of punches in the 10th round which led to Kokietgym being counted out.[44]

Inoue vs. Kono

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On 9 November, it was announced that Inoue's fourth defense would come against Kohei Kono (32–10–1, 13 KOs) on 30 December 2016.[45] Kono was a two-time junior bantamweight champion. In his previous fight Kono lost his WBA title to Luis Concepción in a controversial decision. Naoya's brother, Takuma, was slated to challenge for a world title against Marlon Tapales on the same night but he pulled out due to a fractured right hand.[45][46] Inoue stopped Kono in another commanding performance. Kono was dropped once by a left hook from Inoue before being stopped in the sixth round. This was the first time Kono lost a fight due to stoppage.[47]

Proposed bout vs. González

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During 2016, Inoue repeatedly sought a unification bout against four-division champion and current WBC super flyweight champion Román González.[48][49][50] However, González chose to face Carlos Cuadras instead in the second half of the year.[51] And Inoue was in attendance for the González vs Cuadras fight. Shortly after González's win over Cuadras, representatives of Inoue sent a formal offer to González for what would've been a unification showdown. González stipulated that the terms offered for an Inoue fight weren't good enough, and turned down the contract.[52][53]

Inoue vs. Rodríguez

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Inoue's fifth defense of his WBO title came against Ricardo Rodríguez in May 2017. Rodríguez proved to be yet another outmatched opponent, as Inoue comfortably won by stopping him in the 3rd round following a flurry of punches.[54]

Inoue vs. Nieves

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Following his easy win over Rodríguez, Inoue joined the HBO Boxing After Dark card "Superfly" set at the StubHub Center on 9 September 2017. The event was headlined by the González-Sor Rungvisai rematch for the WBC junior bantamweight title. It was verbally agreed that should González win against Rungvisai, then He and Inoue will meet in a unification bout. But González ended up getting knocked out by Rungvisai, which derailed their fight. It also featured a WBC eliminator between Carlos Cuadras and Juan Francisco Estrada, in addition to Inoue's debut in the US, and first pro bout abroad.[55] Originally, former IBF super flyweight champion McJoe Arroyo was slated to be Inoue's challenger,[56] but Arroyo backed out to fight Rau'shee Warren instead.[57] Inoue also wanted to fight his WBO mandatory challenger Juan Francisco Estrada, but Estrada declined and went the WBC route. Which meant that Inoue's next fight would be against Antonio Nieves (17–2–2, 9 KOs) instead.

Inoue's sixth defense of his WBO title was successful, as he hammered Nieves, who threw in the towel after six rounds. Nieves was rocked towards the end of round 2, but Inoue was unable to finish him as he headed back to his corner when he mistook the 10-second warning with the bell. Inoue scored a knockdown in round 5 after a left hook to the body. Nieves retired after round 6, when Inoue repeatedly landed that left hook to the body to no response from Nieves. Inoue landed 118 of 407 punches (29%) to Nieves' 45 of 209 (22%). After the win Inoue wanted to face Rungvisai, who had just knocked out González. But Rungvisai was caught up with mandatory duty against Estrada. So the fight didn't happen.[58][59]

Failed bout vs. González

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During 2016, Inoue repeatedly sought a unification bout against four-division champion and current WBC super flyweight champion Román González.[60][61][62] However, González chose to face Carlos Cuadras instead in the second half of the year.[63] And Inoue was in attendance and at ringside for that fight. Shortly after González's win over Cuadras, representatives of Inoue sent a formal offer to González for what would've been a unification showdown. González stipulated that the terms offered for an Inoue fight weren't good enough, and turned down the contract.[64] González felt he would have receive more money for a potential rematch with Cuadras on HBO. The rematch against Cuadras didn't happen. Instead, González lost the WBC super flyweight title by a split decision to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in March 2017. September 2017 saw Inoue and González appear on the same card in Carson, California. Making his United States debut with a six-round stoppage over Antonio Nieves, Inoue was looking to set up a match with González in 2018. But González didn't live up to his end of the bargain, as he got knocked out in four rounds in a rematch with Rungvisai. At that moment, any future talk of a fight between Inoue and González was dead in the water.[65][66]

Inoue vs. Boyeaux

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Inoue stated that he would move to bantamweight in the future but he would seek to unify titles against another junior bantamweight titleholder in December 2017.[67] Inoue's team later claimed that they were having trouble securing an opponent for the New Year's Eve date. They'd reportedly agreed to terms with IBF champion Jerwin Ancajas, but he would later announce he was fighting Jamie Conlan in November. So Boyeaux was brought in as a last minute replacement for Ancajas. [68] On 16 November, it was announced that Inoue would face Yan Boyeaux on 30 December, in a show televised by Fuji TV.[69] Inoue said he planned to box in the United States again within 2 months after fighting Boyeaux.[70] Inoue dropped Boyeaux four times before referee Raul Caiz Jr. eventually stepped in at 1 minute and 40 seconds of round 3, giving Inoue the win, successfully retaining the WBO title for the seventh time.[71] Inoue stated that he had plans to move up to bantamweight, where he would seek to become a three-weight world champion.[72] But before moving up in weight. Inoue was supposed to fight against WBA champion Kal Yafai in a unification bout at the "Superfly 2" card in US. But Yafai's promoter Eddie Hearn turned down the fight, saying, "it would be Yafai's highest payday against Inoue, but the pay didn't mitigate the risk."[73]

Move up to bantamweight

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Inoue vs. McDonnell

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Promoter Eddie Hearn first reported to Sky Sports on 14 February 2018 that a deal was being negotiated for 3 time bantamweight champion and the current WBA bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell (29–2–1 13 KOs) to defend his title, which he won in 2014, for the seventh time, against Inoue in Japan. Mcdonnell was undefeated champion for a decade and was ranked No. 2 by The Ring.[74][75] On 6 March, Inoue held a press conference in Japan announcing the fight against McDonnell at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan on 25 May 2018.[76][77] The fight started at a pace that McDonnell was unable to sustain; initially being hurt with a left hook to the top of the head, followed by being sent to the canvas by a two punch combination culminating in a left hook to the body. He bravely got up, only to be sent back down after a series of brutal punches by Inoue including another clean left hook which seemed to discombobulate McDonnell's senses. The referee waved the fight off within less than a round declaring Inoue the TKO victor.[78][79][80]

World Boxing Super Series

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Main article: 2018–19 World Boxing Super Series – bantamweight division

After defeating McDonnell, Inoue said, "I'll participate in the World Boxing Super Series to face other world champions with pleasure," confirming he would take part in the bantamweight tournament, where he would meet other world champions, WBA 'Super champion' Ryan Burnett (19–0, 9 KOs), WBO champion Zolani Tete (27–3, 21 KOs) and IBF champion Emmanuel Rodríguez (18–0, 12 KOs).[81]

Inoue vs. Payano

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At the draft gala on 20 July, Inoue (16–0, 14KOs) chose to defend his WBA title against former WBA(Undisputed) bantamweight champion Juan Carlo Payano (20–1, 9 KOs) in the quarter-final. Payano was seen as the boogeyman of the division.[82] previously Payano had lost his world title to Rau'shee Warren in a controversial decision.[83] In August, the fight was announced to take place on 7 October at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.[84] Inoue won the fight with a first-round knockout. It was a right hand just 70 seconds into their scheduled 12-round bout. Inoue connected with a jab before blasting Payano with a perfect straight right hand that put Payano flat on his back and unable to continue. Referee Pinit Prayadsab immediately stopped the fight at 1:10 into the first round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Payano.[85][86] The knockout was later voted the Ring magazine Knockout of the Year.

Inoue vs. Rodríguez

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IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodríguez (19–0, 12 KOs) defeated Jason Moloney via decision in October 2018, booking his place into the semi-final against Inoue. On 12 February 2019, the fight was set to take place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, on 18 May 2019.[87] In April, Nonito Donaire defeated late replacement Stephon Young, to confirm his place in the final. Donaire stated he would 'love to fight' Inoue in the final, as the two have always respected each other.[88] On 3 May, The Ring Magazine, announced their vacant bantamweight title would be at stake. At the time, WBO champion Zolani Tete, who was ranked No. 2 with The Ring, withdrew from the tournament with injury. Editor-in-Chief, Doug Fischer, explained with Inoue and Rodríguez ranked No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, the bout was worthy of being for the title, as both had earned their positions in the rankings.[89] On 18 May, Inoue advanced to the final by knocking out undefeated Rodríguez in the second round. Inoue dropped Rodríguez three times in quick succession before the fight was stopped at 1:20 of the second round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Rodriguez. [90]

World boxing super series final

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Inoue vs. Donaire

[edit]

Inoue faced four-weight world champion and current WBA (super) bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (40–5, 26 KOs) on 7 November 2019 in Saitama, Japan, for the World Boxing Super Series final. In a thrilling fight that saw incredible heart, grit, endurance, intelligence, and skill displayed by Inoue, as he battled 11 straight rounds with double vision, and ultimately won a unanimous decision with scores of 116–111, 117–109, 114–113. In doing so, he became the first fighter to defeat Donaire at bantamweight.[citation needed] Inoue started the fight very brightly. In the second round, a left hook from Donaire caused a serious cut above Inoue's right eye which affected his vision for the rest of the bout, but he fought back hard and in the fifth round had Donaire in trouble, who was saved by the bell. However, Donaire retained his composure and began to find more success as the fight went on, particularly in the ninth round where he rocked Inoue with a tremendous right hand. During the eleventh round, Inoue landed a hard liver shot on Donaire, who turned away in pain before dropping to his knees. Some fans questioned the referee's actions as while Donaire was circling away, the referee seemed to come between the fighters and prevent Inoue from following up, before giving Donaire a long count, and on top of giving a long count, referee Ernie Sharif literally counted to 10 and still let Donaire continue, which let to Donaire being able to see the final bell. After the fight, Donaire and Inoue showed each other mutual respect, with Inoue lauding Donaire as "a true champion".[91][92] Inoue was presented the Muhammad Ali Trophy by Fighting Harada. As the winner of the tournament, Inoue was awarded the honorary WBC Diamond belt. But he rejected it since he was not a WBC champion.[93] Afterwards, Inoue revealed he had suffered a fractured orbital bone in the second round causing him to see double, and also a broken nose.[94] The fight was later voted the Ring magazine Fight of the Year.

Inoue vs. Moloney

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Inoue was supposed to face WBO bantamweight titlist John Riel Casimero on 25 April 2020 before that fight was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inoue tried to reschedule the fight and was willing to take a paycut to do so, but Casimero declined, and fought Duke Micah instead on 26 September. Unable to reschedule the fight, Inoue faced future WBO bantamweight champion Jason Moloney (21–1, 18 KOs) as a replacement on 31 October at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. Moloney's only loss was a close split decision to Emmanuel Rodríguez. Moloney was ranked No. 6 by The Ring, No. 1 by the WBO, No. 2 by the WBA and No. 4 by the IBF.[95] Inoue scored a seventh-round knockout victory. In the sixth round, a quick counter left hook sent Moloney down. In the seventh, a short right hand sent Moloney down for the second time. While he tried to get up, he did not have his senses, and referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight at 2:59 of the round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Moloney. During a post-fight interview with Inoue, he spoke about his wishes for future opponents: "The Nordine Oubaali-Nonito Donaire winner with the WBC title and Casimero with the WBO, they're within my sights are far as fights go."[96]

Inoue vs. Dasmariñas

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Inoue faced his IBF mandatory challenger and current IBO bantamweight champion Michael Dasmariñas (30–2–1, 20 KOs) on 19 June 2021 in Paradise, Nevada.[97] Dasmarinas was ranked No. 1 by the IBF and No. 8 by the WBA.[98] He scored three knockdowns in the span of three rounds, each one with a left hook to the body of Dasmariñas, to win via third-round stoppage. After the fight, Inoue stated his desire to become the first undisputed champion in the bantamweight division, saying "Getting this win brings a smile to my face. The ability to face the winner of Donaire-Casimero brings an even bigger smile to my face."[99]

Inoue vs. Dipaen

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It was announced on 21 October 2021 that Inoue would be defending his bantamweight world titles in a voluntary defense against IBF No. 6 ranked contender Aran Dipaen (12–2, 11 KOs) on 14 December 2021, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.[100] According to Inoue, his team first attempted to arrange bouts with Rau'shee Warren and Gary Antonio Russell, but were unable to do so with both turning down the fight and also Japan's strict coronavirus protocols made bringing in foreign fighters very difficult.[101] Inoue's first domestic fight in over two years was distributed through PPV by Hikari TV and Abema TV in Japan, but didn't receive any international coverage.[102][103] Inoue entered the bout as a -3000 favorite to retain his titles.[104] Inoue won the fight by an eight-round technical knockout. After having dominated every round, Inoue knocked Dipaen down with a left hook in the eighth round, and although Dipaen was able to beat the ten count, he was badly staggered by a second left hook as soon as the action resumed, which prompted referee Michiaki Someya to wave the fight off.[105] Inoue earned a guaranteed purse of $500,000; $300,000 in show money and a $200,000 win bonus. His reported fight purse did not include PPV share and sponsorship payments.[106] Inoue was later named the 2021 "Fighter of the Year" by the Japanese Boxing Commission.[107]

Inoue vs. Donaire II

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Inoue made his fifth title defense as a unified bantamweight champion in a title unification bout with the reigning WBC champion Nonito Donaire on 7 June 2022, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Donaire was ranked No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB. The fight was for lineal championship and rematch of their 7 November 2019 title unification bout, which Inoue won by unanimous decision.[108] Inoue opened as the favorite, with most odds-makers having him as a -400 favorite to win the rematch.[109] The bout was broadcast by Amazon Prime Video domestically in Japan, and by ESPN+ in the United States.[110] Inoue won the fight by a second-round technical knockout. After knocking Donaire down at the very end of the first round, Inoue once again staggered him with a left hook near the start of the second round, before finishing him with a flurry of punches at the 1:24-minute mark of the round. He became the only fighter to stop Donaire at bantamweight and also became Japan's first-ever three-belt titleholder in boxing history.[citation needed] Inoue expressed his desire to fight the WBO champion Paul Butler in his post-fight interview, stating: "My aim is to be the undisputed champion. But if I can't, I am capable of [moving up] and fighting for a belt".[111] Inoue was ranked as the number one pound for pound boxer by The Ring and TBRB after this victory, thus becoming the first Japanese boxer to reach that milestone.[112][113]

Undisputed bantamweight champion

[edit]

Inoue vs. Butler

[edit]
Main article: Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler

On 25 August 2022, it was announced that Inoue would face 2 time bantamweight champion and the current reigning WBO bantamweight champion Paul Butler in a title unification bout. It took place on 13 December 2022, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, and was broadcast by Amazon Prime domestically and by ESPN+ in the United States.[114][115] It was Butler's first fight outside of the United Kingdom.[116] Inoue won the fight by an eleventh-round knockout, as he stopped Butler with repeated body shots at the 1:09-minute mark of the round. He was up 100–90 on all three scorecards at the time of the stoppage and had out-landed Butler 151 to 38 in total punches, with 97 of those being power punches. Inoue announced his intention to move up to super bantamweight in the post-fight interview, stating: "I was able to make this goal of becoming undisputed world champion. Now, I'm considering going up to super bantamweight."[117][118][119] After the win he became the first undisputed bantamweight champion since Enrique Pinder in 1972 and the first undisputed bantamweight champion in four-belt era. He also became the first-ever Japanese and Asian boxer to claim undisputed championship status in the three- or four-belt era,[120] as well as the first and only boxer in history to defeat all four major sanctioning organisation champions by knockout. And with this win, he also set the new record for the most wins in unified title bouts in bantamweight history, at 6, surpassing the great bantamweight legend Rubén Olivares.[121] Inoue vacated all five titles on 13 January 2023, as he moved up to super bantamweight.[122]

Move up to super bantamweight

[edit]

Inoue vs. Fulton

[edit]

On 18 January 2023, it was revealed that Inoue had entered into negotiations with the undefeated unified super bantamweight world champion Stephen Fulton.[123] Fulton was ranked No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB. The fight was expected to take place at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, on 7 May 2023, and would have been broadcast by Lemino domestically and ESPN+ in the United States.[124] The fight was postponed on 21 March, as Inoue suffered a fist injury during training camp.[125] The bout was rescheduled for 25 July 2023, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.[126][127] Inoue won the fight by an eighth-round technical knockout. Inoue dominated and completely outboxed fulton, in a fight where most believed was a 50-50 fight. In the eighth round he first knocked Fulton down with a left hook and forced referee Hector Afu to stop the contest with a flurry of unanswered punches soon thereafter, from which Fulton went down to the canvas yet again. After the victory Inoue invited unified WBA (Super) and IBF super bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales into the ring, who was present at the fight. Tapales challenged Inoue to a undisputed showdown and Inoue accepted the challenge. The two unified champions shook hands for a fight later this year.[128] Inoue had out-landed his opponent 114 to 47 in total punches and 70 to 24 in power punches by that point.[129] He became the first true Japanese fighter to win major titles in four weight classes, as Kazuto Ioka had won secondary titles.[130]

Undisputed super bantamweight champion

[edit]

Inoue vs. Tapales

[edit]

On 21 August 2023, it was reported that Inoue had entered into negotiations with two division champion and current unified WBA (Super) and IBF super bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales for an undisputed title bout.[131] The fight was also for lineal championship and took place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on 26 December 2023.[132][133] Inoue won the fight by tenth-round knockout to become the first ever undisputed super bantamweight champion and a two-division undisputed champion, just a year after fully unifying the bantamweight division. Tapales was knocked down in the fourth round and again in the tenth, with the second knockdown rendering him unable to rise from the canvas in time to beat the count.[134] Inoue out-landed Tapales 146 to 52 in total punches and 114 to 43 in power punches.[135] This was Inoue's 19th recorded KO in 21 world title fights, bringing his KO rate to 90.4%, which is the highest KO rate in the history of world title matches.[136]

Inoue vs. Nery

[edit]

On 8 January 2024, it was reported that Inoue would make his first title defense as an undisputed champion against the WBC mandatory title challenger and former two division champion Luis Nery.[137][138] The bout was scheduled for 6 May 2024 at Tokyo Dome and was the first boxing match taking place at the venue since 1990.[139] Despite suffering the first knockdown of his professional career in the opening round, Inoue nonetheless dominated and won the fight by a sixth round knockout. He dropped Nery once in the second round and again in the fifth round, before a third and final knockdown in the sixth round ended the fight. Due to the significance of this bout, Inoue was awarded the honorary WBC Diamond belt.[140] Inoue outlanded his opponent 107 to 54 in total punches and 62 to 34 in power punches.[141] After this victory, Inoue was ranked as the number one pound for pound boxer for the second time in his career by The Ring and TBRB.[142][143] The fight set the record for the highest peak viewership in Japan's Amazon Prime Video history, surpassing the 2023 World Baseball Classic finals between Japan and the United States.[144]

Inoue vs. Doheny

[edit]

Inoue made the second defense of his undisputed super bantamweight title against former IBF super bantamweight champion TJ Doheny at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on 3 September 2024. After defending the title against Nery, Inoue's IBF and WBO mandatory challenger Sam Goodman came into the ring to challenge him to a fight. Inoue accepted Goodman's challenge and tried to negotiate a fight for September, but during negotiations Goodman backed out and announced his own fight against Chainoi Worawut for 10 July. With Goodman unavailable, former champion and WBO No. 2 ranked Doheny was brought in as his replacement.[145][146] Inoue successfully retained his undisputed title by stopping Doheny with a body shot. During the seventh round, Inoue landed a series of heavy body shots on Doheny, causing him to recoil from pain and limp away from Inoue. He then dropped to one knee, prompting referee Bence Kovacs to wave the fight off. The bout was officially stopped at 0:16 of the seventh round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Doheny, outlanding him 93 to 52 in total punches and 64 to 41 in power punches.[147]

Inoue vs. Goodman

[edit]

On October 3, 2024 it was reported that Inoue would defend his undisputed super bantamweight title for the third time, against the undefeated IBF and WBO mandatory challenger Sam Goodman in Tokyo, Japan on December 24, 2024.[148][149][150]

Personal life

[edit]

Naoya Inoue is married to his high school sweetheart and has three children.[151] He is trained by his father Shingo Inoue, who is a former amateur boxer. He has one younger brother, Takuma Inoue, and one older cousin, Koki Inoue, both of whom are professional boxers.

Professional boxing record

[edit]
28 fights 28 wins 0 losses
By knockout 25 0
By decision 3 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
28 Win 28–0 TJ Doheny TKO 7 (12), 0:16 3 Sep 2024 Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super bantamweight titles
27 Win 27–0 Luis Nery KO 6 (12), 1:39 6 May 2024 Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super bantamweight titles
26 Win 26–0 Marlon Tapales KO 10 (12), 1:02 26 Dec 2023 Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles;
Won WBA (Super), IBF, and vacant The Ring super bantamweight titles
25 Win 25–0 Stephen Fulton TKO 8 (12), 1:14 25 Jul 2023 Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan Won WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles
24 Win 24–0 Paul Butler KO 11 (12), 1:09 13 Dec 2022 Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles;
Won WBO bantamweight title
23 Win 23–0 Nonito Donaire TKO 2 (12), 1:24 7 Jun 2022 Super Arena, Saitama, Japan Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles;
Won WBC bantamweight title
22 Win 22–0 Aran Dipaen TKO 8 (12), 2:34 14 Dec 2021 Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles
21 Win 21–0 Michael Dasmariñas KO 3 (12), 2:45 19 Jun 2021 Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles
20 Win 20–0 Jason Moloney KO 7 (12), 2:59 31 Oct 2020 MGM Grand Conference Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles
19 Win 19–0 Nonito Donaire UD 12 7 Nov 2019 Super Arena, Saitama, Japan Retained IBF and The Ring bantamweight titles;
Won WBA (Super) bantamweight title;
World Boxing Super Series: bantamweight final
18 Win 18–0 Emmanuel Rodríguez KO 2 (12), 1:20 18 May 2019 SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland Retained WBA (Unified) bantamweight title;
Won IBF and vacant The Ring bantamweight titles;
World Boxing Super Series: bantamweight semi-final
17 Win 17–0 Juan Carlos Payano KO 1 (12), 1:10 7 Oct 2018 Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan Retained WBA (Regular) bantamweight title;
World Boxing Super Series: bantamweight quarter-final
16 Win 16–0 Jamie McDonnell KO 1 (12), 1:52 25 May 2018 Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan Won WBA (Regular) bantamweight title
15 Win 15–0 Yoan Boyeaux KO 3 (12), 1:40 30 Dec 2017 Cultural Gymnasium, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
14 Win 14–0 Antonio Nieves RTD 6 (12), 3:00 9 Sep 2017 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S. Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
13 Win 13–0 Ricardo Rodriguez KO 3 (12), 1:08 21 May 2017 Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
12 Win 12–0 Kohei Kono KO 6 (12), 1:01 30 Dec 2016 Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
11 Win 11–0 Petchbarngborn Kokietgym KO 10 (12), 3:03 4 Sep 2016 Sky Arena, Zama, Kanagawa, Japan Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
10 Win 10–0 David Carmona UD 12 8 May 2016 Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
9 Win 9–0 Warlito Parrenas KO 2 (12), 1:20 29 Dec 2015 Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
8 Win 8–0 Omar Narváez KO 2 (12), 3:01 30 Dec 2014 Metropolitan Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan Won WBO junior bantamweight title
7 Win 7–0 Samartlek Kokietgym TKO 11 (12), 1:08 5 Sep 2014 Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan Retained WBC light flyweight title
6 Win 6–0 Adrián Hernández KO 6 (12), 2:54 6 Apr 2014 Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan Won WBC light flyweight title
5 Win 5–0 Jerson Mancio TKO 5 (12), 2:51 6 Dec 2013 Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan Won vacant OPBF light flyweight title
4 Win 4–0 Ryoichi Taguchi UD 10 25 Aug 2013 Sky Arena, Zama, Kanagawa, Japan Won Japanese light flyweight title
3 Win 3–0 Yūki Sano TKO 10 (10), 1:09 16 Apr 2013 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
2 Win 2–0 Ngaoprajan Chuwatana KO 1 (8), 1:50 5 Jan 2013 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
1 Win 1–0 Crison Omayao KO 4 (8), 2:04 2 Oct 2012 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Exhibition boxing record

[edit]
4 fights 0 wins 0 losses
Non-scored 4
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
4 — 0–0 (4) Daigo Higa — 3 11 Feb 2021 Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan Non-scored bout
3 — 0–0 (3) Genesis Servania — 3 19 Aug 2018 Sangyo Hall, Kanazawa, Japan Non-scored bout
2 — 0–0 (2) Genesis Servania — 3 3 Jul 2016 Happiring, Fukui, Japan Non-scored bout
1 — 0–0 (1) Akira Yaegashi — 2 19 May 2014 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Non-scored bout

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super version), World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles

References

[edit]
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[edit]
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Preceded by Japanese light flyweight champion
25 August 2013 – 18 October 2013
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Yu Kimura
Vacant
Title last held by
Shin Ono 		OPBF light flyweight champion
6 December 2013 – 28 February 2014
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Jonathan Taconing
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBC light flyweight champion
6 April 2014 – 3 November 2014
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Pedro Guevara
Preceded by WBO junior bantamweight champion
30 December 2014 – 6 March 2018
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Donnie Nietes
Preceded by WBA bantamweight champion
25 May 2018 – 7 November 2019
Regular title until 18 May 2019
Won Super title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Guillermo Rigondeaux
as Regular champion
Preceded by IBF bantamweight champion
18 May 2019 – 13 January 2023
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Emmanuel Rodríguez
Vacant
Title last held by
Shinsuke Yamanaka 		The Ring bantamweight champion
18 May 2019 – 13 January 2023
Vacated 		Vacant
Preceded by WBA bantamweight champion
Super title
7 November 2019 – 13 January 2023
Vacated
WBC bantamweight champion
7 June 2022 – 13 January 2023
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Alexandro Santiago
Preceded by WBO bantamweight champion
13 December 2022 – 13 January 2023
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Jason Moloney
Vacant
Title last held by
Enrique Pinder 		Undisputed bantamweight champion
13 December 2022 – 13 January 2023
Titles fragmented 		Vacant
Preceded by WBC super bantamweight champion
25 July 2023 – present 		Incumbent
WBO super bantamweight champion
25 July 2023 – present
Preceded by WBA super bantamweight champion
Super title
26 December 2023 – present
IBF super bantamweight champion
26 December 2023 – present
Vacant
Title last held by
Guillermo Rigondeaux 		The Ring super bantamweight champion
26 December 2023 – present
Inaugural champion Undisputed super bantamweight champion
26 December 2023 – present
Achievements
Preceded by The Ring pound for pound No. 1 boxer
11 June – 20 August 2022 		Succeeded by
Oleksandr Usyk
Preceded by The Ring pound for pound No. 1 boxer
6 May – 18 May 2024 		Succeeded by
Oleksandr Usyk
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Naoya_Inoue&oldid=1256585310#Inoue_vs._Fulton"