Murodjon Akhmadaliev Hopes To Dethrone Naoya Inoue
Word on the street is that what’s next up for undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) is likely a fall battle with the one-time unified champion at 122 pounds, Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9 KOs). MJ could be the fighter with the pedigree and talent to thwart Inoue’s current fistic tidal wave of the lower-weight divisions.
The World Boxing Association Championship Committee has ordered Inoue to face MJ. They’ve given both parties until July 14 to negotiate a matchup. Upon receiving word about the WBA’s decision, Akhmadaliev went to social media and left the following message for the undisputed champion:
“Inoue, you ready? Let’s go champ, let’s go!”
The Monster is coming off a sixth-round stoppage over Luis “Pantera” Nery on May 6. But in that contest, Inoue was knocked down in round one. Some in the boxing community have used that moment to suggest that Inoue is vulnerable and there are some chinks in his armor.
HE SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED
Akhmadaliev has rebounded strongly since the only defeat of his career – a split-decision loss to Marlon Tapales in April 2023. MJ battered and stopped Kevin Gonzalez in December 2023 in his most recent outing.
Like Nery, Akhamadaliev is a lefty. However, MJ is quicker, faster, and more skilled than Pantera. A flaw in Inoue’s game is that he can leave himself open when coming forward.
Akhmadaliev has outstanding footwork. In a contest with Inoue, he can use that asset to get Inoue off-balance. He also carries the kind of hand speed to land and punching power to earn Inoue’s respect. If Nery caught Nery with a big punch, so can MJ.
To many fans, the Uzbeki southpaw would be an overwhelming underdog. But he’s hungry for a shot at the reigning undisputed champion. It should not be labeled a shock were he to defeat one of the elite fighters currently in the sport.
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