Nordine Oubaali ready to unify against anyone including Naoya Inoue!
Undefeated WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali will be making his first title defense against #15 ranked contender Arthur Villanueva on July 6.
The 32-year old French boxer is full of confidence and rightfully so. However, when speaking about the other champions (one in particular), maybe he’s too confident. During an interview, iFL TV asked Oubaali about a unification match-up with IBF champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue.
“I want unification for the belt. If I’m boxing this boxer or that boxer is not a problem for me, because I know I’m the best. If I’m boxing Inoue or other boxer, it’s the same. It’s no problem for me.”
This is a bold statement considering the path of destruction the Japanese phenom has been on lately. His performance in the World Boxing Super Series tournament alone has been exceptional. Furthermore, many consider Inoue to be the division’s most devastating puncher as well in the sport!
The clear fact the WBC champion is willing to get in the ring for a unification is a testament to his confidence.
These comments shouldn’t be followed by the usual hypersensitive attacks, but should be commended; especially given the fact it’s the type of attitude that every fighter, no less a champion, should have. It’s what makes them special and defines their legacy in the sport.
Inoue is the favorite to win the tournament. That means a fight between these two champions would get us closer to having an undisputed champion at bantamweight since 1973. At the time, you only needed two belts to become undisputed.
Whether or not he wins is a fun debate boxing pugilist would enjoy. It’s these kinds of conversations that help the sport thrive while arousing the curiosity of the boxing community.
The lower weight divisions are part of the reason that boxing as a whole has been at its best! If made, this fight has all the ingredients to be great. Fans love two prime, undefeated champions putting it all on the line!
By: Garrisson Bland
