Naoya Inoue Ignoring Orders To Fight Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Former unified junior featherweight champion Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (13-1, 10 KOs) has a deep passion to face the reigning undisputed champion in the division, Naoya “Monster” Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs). However, it’s becoming clear that Inoue doesn’t have the same energy and is kicking the can down the road on a fight against MJ.
Akhmadaliev is coming off an impressive third-round stoppage over Ricardo Espinoza on December 14 in Monte Carlo. Afterward, the former world champion had the following message for Monster:
“Why is he ducking me? If he doesn’t want to fight me, he needs to explain because when I was the champion, I followed the rules, and he should follow the rules as well . . . I need an explanation because I’m here and ready for the fight.”
“The best should be fighting the best. I am a mandatory. He should prove he is the best in the division . . . Let’s go, Inoue. I’m ready! USA, Japan, Monaco, anywhere, anytime, it doesn’t matter.”
It was clear that Inoue was paying attention to the festivities in Monte Carlo. The undisputed champion posted this response on social media:
TIRED EXCUSES
There are no questions about Inoue’s ability and achievements. He’s a two-time undisputed champion and one of the greatest lower-weight fighters of all-time. If he hung up the gloves tomorrow, the Japanese boxing legend would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
However, there are rules about a world champion fulfilling their mandatory obligations. Inoue has yet to do so when it comes to Akhmadaliev. On two occasions, the WBA has ordered a fight between Monster and MJ, only for Inoue to avoid those orders. So, for Inoue to tell Akhmadaliev to win and wait his turn is disingenuous and patronizing.
Next up for the undisputed champion is a title defense against the IBF mandatory challenger, Sam Goodman, in January 2025. MJ needs to be the next opponent, in no uncertain terms. Should he get past Goodman, the WBA intends to give Inoue a 10-day window to decide on facing Akhmadaliev.
The sad thing about this ordeal is that Inoue versus Akhmadaliev is a fight that the public wants to see. Of the current lot at 122 pounds, MJ has become his top challenger and stands the best chance of beating him. At this rate, it’s looking like a fight the public may never see. The person to blame is not Akhmadaliev. It should fall at the feet of Inoue.
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