This Sunday, Naoya Inoue returns to defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown in what could be his toughest test yet at 122lbs. Facing former unified champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the bout offers Inoue not only the chance to reaffirm his dominance but also to make history.
After becoming undisputed at bantamweight, Inoue moved up in 2023 and dismantled both Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales to unify the super-bantamweight division in just two fights. Since then, “The Monster” has made four successful defenses, each ending in a knockout, underlining his remarkable consistency.
If victorious on Sunday, Inoue will become the first male fighter in the four-belt era to defend an undisputed title more than twice within a single calendar year. With whispers of a December return, the Japanese star could even extend that record before a projected 2026 showdown with Junto Nakatani.
Watch Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev weigh-in here: Watch
Akhmadaliev represents a genuine threat and many think this will be the hardest Inoue's bout up to date. The Uzbek southpaw lost his titles to Tapales in 2023, missing his first crack at Inoue, but has since rebuilt with three consecutive stoppage wins and captured the WBA Interim belt. Hungry for redemption, he now stands as the man aiming to halt Inoue’s historic run.
For Inoue, the night is about legacy. For Akhmadaliev, it’s about redemption. Together, they deliver a fight that promises to test skill, will, and endurance at the very highest level.
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Image Credit: Top Rank