Naoya Inoue fires warning to super-bantamweights
Japanese 'Monster' Naoya Inoue (24-0, 21KO) vacated his undisputed bantamweight titles to move up to super-bantamweight on January 12, 2023.
The 29-year-old from Kanagawa announced on social media: "Today, I have returned these 4 belts that I have collected over 4 years and 7 months.
"In 2023, I will raise the class to super bantamweight and challenge!
"Wait, super bantamweight fighters!"
The three-division world champion became undisputed at bantamweight after a one-sided beatdown of Liverpool's Paul Butler in December. It took 32 minutes of relentless punishment and pressure against the negative Butler, who did very little in return all fight long, but the 11th round stoppage crowned Inoue as the first undisputed bantamweight champion of this century.
He is ranked as the world's best pound for pound boxer by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB) and is the only Japanese fighter in history to ever be ranked #1 pound for pound by The Ring Magazine.
In 2023, Inoue plans an assault on the 122-pound division that includes the likes of 'Cool Boy Steph' and 'MJ' – the only two reigning world champions presently – see below.
Super-bantamweight world champions
WBC: Stephen Fulton
WBA: Murodjon Akhmadaliev
IBF: Murodjon Akhmadaliev
WBO: Stephen Fulton
IBO: Vacant
The WBC and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, wished Naoya Inoue the best of successes and reiterated they will have the doors open at super-bantamweight.
WBO #1 super-bantamweight contender Ra'eese "The Beast" Aleem, undefeated in 20 bouts, wasted no time in calling out "The Monster".
He said, "I would love to be the first man to hand Naoya Inoue his first loss. I believe Inoue is a true champion, one who is willing to take on all comers, unlike some of the champions in my division currently. He is regarded as one of the best fighters of his era, and I truly see myself as the man to dethrone him."
