Naoya Inoue Calls Out Nordine Oubaali
After his FOTY candidate, Naoya Inoue called out Nordine Oubaali who defeated his brother, Takuma Inoue on the undercard of the WBSS final. The two fighters have been linked for a perspective bout since early this summer. The circumstances for this possible match-up seem to have materialized. Oubaali currently holds the WBC portion of the bantamweight title and Inoue holds the IBF and WBA titles.
Naoya Inoue signed with Top Rank immediately following his victory over Nonito Donaire, so expect a big debut for the newly crowned champ. Now that there’s a backstory, as well as a unification on the line, it appears the iron is hot.
We at 3kingsboxing.com reported on this. At that time, Oubaali said ”I want unification for the belt (WBA/WBC). If I am boxing this boxer or that boxer is not a problem for me, because I know I am the best. If I am boxing Inoue or other boxer, it’s the same. It’s no problem for me.”
With these previous statements and now having the opportunity to fight for three belts, there’s no doubt these fighters will push for this bout to be made soon.
There are two potential pitfalls to this fight happening next. First is if WBO champion Zolani Tete is next in line for Inoue first. The other would be if a mandatory is named for either fighter. As of right now, it looks like we should get this fight next.
By: Corey Cunningham
