Naoya Inoue once again proved his supremacy at 122 pounds, retaining his undisputed super bantamweight championship with a commanding points win over Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Nagoya, Japan. The judges scored it 117-111, 118-110, and 118-110, all in favor of the unbeaten Japanese star.
From the opening bell, Inoue showcased his trademark speed and sharp timing, consistently beating Akhmadaliev to the punch. While the Uzbek southpaw attempted to find his rhythm, he struggled to break through Inoue’s pace and precision. Only in the dying moments of the final round did Akhmadaliev land a telling shot, briefly rocking the champion before the bell.
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Though he came up short, Akhmadaliev did become the first man to take Inoue the distance since Nonito Donaire in 2019, snapping the champion’s 11-fight knockout streak. Inoue pushed for a finish late, but Akhmadaliev’s defense and caution kept him upright through the closing stages.
The victory extends Inoue’s reign and sets him on course for a December bout in Saudi Arabia against David Picasso. Should he come through that, a blockbuster all-Japanese showdown with Junto Nakatani looms in 2026.
Image Credit: The Ring