Naoya Inoue’s win over Junto Nakatani has seen him recognised as boxing’s pound-for-pound number one by the masses. However, veteran promoter Bob Arum believes that the Japanese sensation would be better served by changing his future fight plans.
Ahead of a historic showdown with Nakatani, Inoue revealed that he would be remaining at super-bantamweight for at least one additional fight, with unified super-flyweight champion and fellow pound-for-pound star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez the target.
Rodriguez is scheduled to move up to bantamweight and take on WBA champion Antonio Vargas next month, with a blockbuster clash against Inoue being mooted to go ahead in early 2027.
The Japanese icon then plans to make one final move up in weight before retirement, making it clear that he wants to face champions at featherweight.
However, speaking to the Ring, Arum suggested that ‘The Monster’ should instead consider remaining at super-bantamweight and adding to his current seven defences of the undisputed crown, believing that a jump up to 126lbs could prove costly.
“I don’t think Inoue would do too well if he went to 126.”
It is unlikely to deter Inoue, who looks to end his career with a bang. Should he indeed move up, WBO champion Rafael Espinoza stands at an imposing 6’1” compared to the 5’ 5” frame of ‘The Monster’, but other featherweight titlists boast less intimidating statures for the 33-year-old.
WBA titleholder, Brandon Figueroa (5’ 9”), was previously the unified super-bantamweight champion and Angelo Leo defends his IBF title against Ra’eese Aleem this weekend, with both of those having campaigned at super-bantamweight up until 2023 and each standing at 5’6”.
