Naoya INoue, the reigning champion of the WBA super bantamweight division, has recently made headlines not only for his impressive title defense but also for his ambitious plans to move up to the featherweight category. After defeating Kim Ye-jun with a fourth-round knockout on January 24, the 31-year-old boxer held a press conference the following day at the Ohashi Boxing Gym located in Yokohama, Japan, to discuss the next steps of his career.
INoue expressed satisfaction with his recent performance, stating, "I was able to box well against Kim," referring to his fight where he showcased both skill and power. This victory marked his 24th win, solidifying his position at the top of the sport and breaking records for most wins by a Japanese fighter against world-class opposition.
At the press conference, steeped in excitement and admiration from fans and media, INoue outlined his ambitious plans for the year. He is preparing to challenge the top competitors of the featherweight division, beginning with WBC number one contender and WBO eighth-ranked Alan Picasso from Mexico, expected to take place later this spring. Following this bout, he has his eyes set on Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the reigning interim champion of the WBA, anticipated to occur later this year, especially with the lucrative offers being floated for fights in Saudi Arabia.
Perhaps most intriguingly, INoue shared his intentions to not only conquer the featherweight division but also return to the super bantamweight category for potential showdowns against notable fighters. "I will have the body to fight at featherweight," he declared confidently, indicating his belief in his ability to excel across multiple weight classes.
Throughout the conference, Hideyuki Ohashi, INoue's trainer, conveyed enthusiasm for his fighter's plans, citing the minimal damage incurred from fights as a significant factor allowing for such ambitious scheduling. INoue expressed his desire to fight four times this year, reflecting on his previous performances' light impact on his health, which has enabled him to pursue this rigorous path. "It’s possible as long as the timing works," he emphasized, hinting at the excitement of facing potential adversaries.
The boxing community is abuzz with speculation about INoue's future opponents, particularly as discussions about facing Nick Ball, the current WBA featherweight champion from the UK, have surfaced. Should INoue’s plans materialize, his move through the weight classes could set the stage for thrilling matchups down the road, including lucrative shows, possibly even pitting him against his countryman Naoya INoue, currently the WBC bantamweight champion.
INoue's plans are undoubtedly ambitious, and with each step, he aims to make history not just by defending titles but by collecting them across divisions. His intention to fight both at featherweight and then revert to super bantamweight reflects his desire to capture titles and claim his place as one of the all-time greats within the sport.
With such excitement on the horizon, fans and boxing enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of INoue's upcoming bouts. His bold strategy of moving between weight classes not only demonstrates his versatility but also sets the stage for potentially ground-breaking moments in his illustrious boxing career.
Naoya INoue remains committed to his training and is confident he will attain greatness as he advances through weight classes and challenges top competitors. With his eyes on both immediate goals and future dreams, he continues to exemplify the tenacity and ambition required to succeed at the highest levels of boxing.