FANS worried they would miss Naoya Inoue’s clash with Murodjon Akhmadaliev have breathed a sigh of relief after news of a streaming agreement was released earlier today. Inoue’s previous fistic endeavours had been broadcast on ESPN, along with Sky Sports in the UK.
However, since ESPN and Bob Arum’s Top Rank parted ways, plus Sky’s frosty current relationship with boxing, concern was growing over the chance to catch the undisputed ‘Monster’ in action. It has now been confirmed that Top Rank’s Facebook page will stream the bout.
Seeing as MJ is promoted by Eddie Hearn, it was whispered in some quarters that DAZN might step in and show it. That is not the case as the well-known social media platform will handle the broadcast, which is expected to do big numbers given Inoue’s popularity not just in Japan but around the world.
If successful against his mandatory challenger, Inoue is expected to roll on and fight compatriot Junto Nakatani in Japan around the end of the year, with the coveted New Year’s Eve slot being touted.
Back to September 14 and Akhmadaliev is no pushover. The former unified champion has rebounded strongly from a defeat to Marlon Tapales that initially cost him the shot at Inoue. A way past the solid southpaw must be found, live on Facebook.
