Naoya Inoue: record, next fight and profile →
25-year-old Inoue (16-0, 14 KOs) from Zama, Japan is a three-weight world champion, having held the WBA Regular bantamweight title since May 2018, the WBO junior-bantamweight title from 2014 to March 2018, and the WBC light-flyweight title in 2014
There might not be a better fighter in the world right now. When Japan’s Naoya Inoue performs the way he did against veteran Jamie McDonnell, it’s hard for that thought not to creep in. As people assemble pound for pound lists, lots of caveats come into play. Some weigh the breadth of a career; others accomplishments; still others, recent form.
by Tris Dixon - “This tournament is the toughest challenge that all the participants will have faced in their careers,” said Adam Booth, trainer of bantamweight world champion Ryan Burnett. Booth, who has created a formidable stable including the likes of welter prospect Josh Kelly and Irish star Mick Conlan...
Newly crowned WBA "regular" bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (16-0, 14 KOs) is really looking forward to joining the World Boxing Super Series tournament. Already in the tournament, are IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez, WBO champion Zolani Tete and WBA "super" champion Ryan Burnett. One of the champions will walk away with all of the gold at the end.
Inoue, McDonnell Fight Photos Gallery - Japan's Naoya Inoue won his first fight as a bantamweight, knocking out WBA champion Jamie McDonnell in a furious first round on Friday. Inoue lived up to his nickname, "Monster" in the finale of a world title doubleheader at Ota Gymnasium. Earlier, countryman Kenshiro Teraji defended his WBC light flyweight crown with a second-round knockout of Mexico's Ganigan Lopez.
Jamie McDonnell has confirmed that he will return at a higher weight after surrendering his world title. The Doncaster man is set to come back at 122lbs after losing his WBA ‘regular’ bantamweight crown to Naoya Inoue on Friday in Tokyo, Japan.
Naoya Inoue wasted no time overwhelming Jamie McDonnell with his vaunted power Friday night in Tokyo. Japan’s Inoue showed McDonnell immediately why he is nicknamed “Monster.” He knocked down the defending bantamweight champion twice in less than two minutes and won their bantamweight title bout by first-round knockout at Ota City General Gymnasium. Inoue opened up to McDonnell’s body about 40 seconds into their fight. His attack moved McDonnell into the ropes and made him cover up.
Inoue, McDonnell Weigh-In Photos Gallery - Jamie McDonnell says he’ll prove that he’s the best Bantamweight in the world as he faces pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue in Tokyo, Japan on Friday, live on Sky Sports. (Naoki Fukuda).
Jamie McDonnell isn’t the least bit concerned about what’s supposed to happen Friday night in Tokyo. The defending WBA bantamweight champion realizes most experts expect Naoya Inoue to knock him out in their 12-round, 118-pound title fight at Ota City General Gymnasium. Japan’s Inoue (15-0, 13 KOs) will fight for the first time within the bantamweight division, but the former light flyweight and super flyweight champion is commonly considered one of the best boxers, pound-for-pound, in the sport.
by Cliff Rold - Hardcore boxing fans have been waking up early in the morning to watch Naoya Inoue for a few years now. The former Jr. flyweight and Jr. bantamweight titlist is the sort of dynamic offensive fighter who stands out no matter the size. For some of his fights, like his title winning effort against Om...