Teraji Finds More Inspiration “Every Time I See Naoya Inoue Fight”

Teraji Aims to Match the Caliber of Naoya Inoue

Kenshiro Teraji inspired by Naoya Inoue
Kenshiro Teraji inspired by Naoya Inoue

Kenshiro Teraji Says Naoya Inoue Inspires Him to Be his Best


Fighters can use a variety of sources to motivate themselves. Sometimes, it can come from their contemporaries. Such is the case for unified junior flyweight champion Kenshiro “The Amazing Boy” Teraji (21-1, 13 KOs), who cites countryman and multi-divisional champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue (25-0, 22 KOs) as someone who keeps him on his toes in his constant pursuit of excellence.

Teraji will defend the unified belts against the two-division world champion and current WBA junior flyweight mandatory contender, Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler (35-4, 11 KOs), on September 18 in Tokyo, Japan. The defending champion is very popular in his home country of Japan. Many pundits rank Teraji as one of the best fighters in the lower-weight divisions.

GLOWING ADMIRATION

The 31-year-old sees Inoue as a shining example of an elite fighter. During an interview with news outlet Sporting News, the junior flyweight champion explained why he holds Inoue in such high regard.

“He is simply a great fighter. Every time I see Naoya Inoue fight, it stimulates me. I hope to be as good as Inoue someday.

I don’t know if I will be able to bring the spotlight at light flyweight, but I guess I just have to show my strength every fight. I’ve been told by people my recent fights are enjoyable to watch, so I will try to show what I can do in every fight.”

Inoue is a former undisputed champion at 118. Teraji has a goal of becoming the undisputed champion at 108. The 35-year-old Budler can fight and is coming to win. But Teraji is fueled with a burning desire to retain the unified titles and follow in the footsteps of Monster.

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About Mike W.2088 Articles
Mike is the host of boxing podcast "Pound 4 Pound Boxing Report" and is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com.