Boxing
Nick Ball, MJ Akhmadaliev, Junto Nakatani – Who Will Naoya Inoue’s Next Fight Be Against?
Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting UK. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.
Get to know Paul Kelly betterPublished06 Sep 2024
Naoya Inoue’s next fight is a pressing topic of conversation already, with names such as Nick Ball, Junot Nakatani and Murodjon Akhmadaliev all being throw about as potential opponents for Inoue next.
Naoya Inoue Next Fight: Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Japan in December?
Although his last fight was just a few days ago, boxing fans are already talking about Naoya Inoue’s next fight and who they want to see the ‘Monster’ in the ring with next.
Inoue is the undisputed world super-bantamweight champion, as well as being a four-weight world champion and pound-for-pound superstar too. The Japanese fighter extended his boxing record to 28-0 against TJ Doheny, including winning 25 of these fights via stoppage.
Now, there is even more talk and conversation about Inoue’s next fight, which looks likely it could take place in December. The man standing opposite Inoue in December remains to be seen, but it is likely the bout with take place in his home country of Japan once again.
Inoue has beaten all comers at 122-pounds now, with boxing fans calling for the 31-year-old to move up another weight class to featherweight in an attempt to become a five-division world champion. That could be on the cards for Inoue, but not for his next fight.
Top Rank kingpin Bob Arum hinted that Naoya Inoue’s next fight will once again be at super-bantamweight, with former belt holder Murodjon Akhmadaliev the current front-runner. This fight makes sense, given there would be no movement in weight, as well as ‘MJ’ ranking highly with each of the four governing bodies too.
Could Inoue’s Next Fight Be Against Junto Nakatani or Nick Ball?
It looks like the Akhmadaliev fight is the most likely for Inoue next, with Tokyo the most likely destination once again. However, if this isn’t the case, names such as Junto Nakatani and Nick Ball have been throw about as potential opponents for Naoya Inoue’s next fight instead.
Nick Ball, the WBA world featherweight champion from Liverpool, defends his title on October 5th in his hometown. Should he come through that fight unscathed, a fight before the end of the year against Inoue could potentially make sense if Inoue wants to move up to 126-pounds.
Another fight that could be on the cards next for Inoue if it isn’t Akhmadaliev or Ball could be fellow Japanese fighter Junto Nakatani. Should this fight happen, the best betting sites in the UK would find it hard to split them, with both fighters undefeated and devastating punchers.
Inoue vs Nakatani would certainly be the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history if it were to happen, so time will tell whether or not it actually takes place.
Saudi boxing chief, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, has spoken of his desire to launch a Boxing Super League, and Inoue would be the perfect man to fight in it too should none of these three options come to fruition.
Fingers crossed an official announcement is made in the next month or two for Naoya Inoue’s next fight.