Inoue Excited For September Showdown With Akhmadaliev

The Monster Stops Cardenas to Secure Akhmadaliev Fight

Naoya Inoue and Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Naoya Inoue to fight Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September (Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing)

Inoue Notches KO Ahead of Battling Murodjon Akhmadaliev


Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (30-0, 27 KO’s) prevailed in his May 4 skirmish with Ramon Cardenas by way of eighth round TKO. Now his focus can full shift to a showdown with interim WBA super bantamweight champion Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev.

Prior to ever stepping in the ring with Cardenas, Inoue had stated his intention of facing Akhmadaliev (13-1, 10 KO’s) in September. However, the Cardenas victory did not come without its scares. The Monster was dropped in round two. Obviously, getting knocked out cold would likely have derailed his plans. Thankfully however, Inoue did steady himself and won the match in dominating fashion.

Having put this potential trap fight in his rearview, the pride of Japan can now focus completely on Akhmadaliev. MJ is riding a two fight win streak, both by knockout, since suffering his only loss to Marlon Tapales back on April 8, 2023. Certainly seeing Inoue look so vulnerable in the Cardenas bout will only boost Akhmadaliev’s morale all throughout training.

Let’s just hope that nothing happens to hamper this fun duel.

“Next, [this] September, MJ!”

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

About Bakari S.3214 Articles
Bakari is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com. Visit cheetahhead.com to view more of his literary work.