Naoya Inoue

The native form of thispersonal nameisInoue Naoya.This article usesWestern name orderwhen mentioning individuals.

Naoya Inoue
Inoue in 2023
Born	Tỉnh thượng thượng di (1993-04-10)10 April 1993 Zama, Kanagawa,Japan
Other names	The Monster ( quái vậtKaibutsu)
Statistics
Weight(s)	Light flyweight Super flyweight Bantamweight Super bantamweight
Height	5 ft5+1⁄2in (166 cm)
Reach	67+1⁄2in (171 cm)
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	28
Wins	28
Wins by KO	25
Medal record Men'samateur boxing RepresentingJapan Asian Youth Championships 2010 Tehran Light flyweight

Naoya Inoue(Tỉnh thượng thượng di,Inoue Naoya,born 10 April 1993)is a Japaneseprofessional boxer.He has held multipleworld championships in four weight classes,and is one of only three male boxers in history (along withTerence CrawfordandOleksandr Usyk) to become theundisputed championin two weight classes in the "four-belt era".Nicknamed "The Monster", Inoue is known for his exceptional punching power, possessing aknockout-to-win percentage of 89.28%, with 91.30% in world title matches.

He is the first and only boxer to win the undisputed championshipatsuper bantamweight,having held all four major titles since 2023, as well as theRingmagazine title. Previously he held the undisputed championship atbantamweightbetween 2022 and 2023, and theRingtitle. He became the first undisputed bantamweight champion sinceEnrique Pinderin 1972, and the first boxer in history to do so in the four-belt era.

Earlier in his career, Inoue held theWorld Boxing Council(WBC)light flyweighttitle in 2014, theWorld Boxing Organization(WBO)junior bantamweighttitle from 2014 to 2018, and theWorld Boxing Association(WBA) bantamweight title (Unified version) from 2018 to 2019.He has also held thelineal championshipat bantamweightand super bantamweight,and won the 2018–2019World Boxing Super Seriesbantamweight tournament.

In June 2022, Inoue became the first Japanese boxer to be rankedNo. 1 in the world,pound for pound,byThe Ringand theTransnational Boxing Rankings Board.He was named Fighter of the Year in 2023 byThe Ring,theBoxer Writers Association of America,andESPN.

Amateur career

Inoue won the Japanese Interscholastic Athletic Meeting and the Japanese Junior National Championships in 2009. In 2010, he took the bronze medal in the Asian Youth Championships inTehran,Iran,and won the Japanese Junior Selection Tournament. He then participated in theAIBAYouth World Championships, but lost toYosvany Veitíain the third preliminary round. He finished in the second place at the Japanese National Championships in the same year.

In July 2011, he took the gold medal in the 21st President's Cup inJakarta,Indonesia.He subsequently won the first place in the Japanese Interscholastic Athletic Meeting in that year.However, he was eliminated in the third round byYosvany Veitíain the2011 World Amateur Boxing Championshipsat theHeydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition ComplexinBaku,Azerbaijan,and lost toBirzhan Zhakypovin the final at the2012 Asian Boxing Olympic Qualification TournamentinAstana,Kazakhstan.Inoue holds a KO win over future world championKenshiro Terajiin the amateurs. Inoue's amateur record was 75–6 (48 KOs).

Highlights

Asian Youth Championships (48 kg),Tehran, Iran,March 2010:

• 1/8: Defeated Bilguun Battulga (Mongolia) 11–2
• 1/4: Defeated Omirbek Kudaybergenov (Kazakhstan) RSC 3
• 1/2: Lost to Masoud Rigi (Iran) 1–7

AIBA Youth World Championships (48 kg),Baku, Azerbaijan,April 2010:

• 1/32: Defeated Kibrom Gebreegziabher (Ethiopia) KO 2
• 1/16: Defeated Laishram Devender Singh (India) 8–4
• 1/8: Lost toYosvany Veitia(Cuba) 0–11

President's Cup (49 kg),Jakarta, Indonesia,July 2011:

• 1/8: Defeated Muhb Mohibullah (Pakistan) RSC 3
• 1/4: Defeated Dylan Perkins (Australia) 20–5
• 1/2: Defeated Wu Rongguo (China) 21–19
• Finals: Defeated Ian Clark Bautista (Philippines) 23–10

AIBA World Championships (49 kg),Baku, Azerbaijan,September–October 2011:

• 1/32: Defeated Denny Hitarihun (Indonesia) 16–7
• 1/16: Defeated Hovhannes Danielyan (Armenia) RSC 2
• 1/8: Lost toYosvany Veitia(Cuba) 12–15

Asian Olympic Qualifier (49 kg),Astana, Kazakhstan,April 2012:

• 1/4: Defeated Asylbek Nazaraliyev (Kyrgyzstan) RSC 2
• 1/2: Defeated Asror Vokhidov (Tajikistan) 21–16
• Finals: Lost toBirzhan Zhakypov(Kazakhstan) 11–16

Professional career

Light flyweight

Inoue vs. Omayao

Inoue turned professional in 2012, signing with Ohashi Boxing Gym. Of his own volition, he signed an agreement withHideyuki Ohashito never fight against easy opponents.On 2 October 2012, he fought againstFilipinonational championCrison Omayao, and won his debut via a fourth-round knockout.

Inoue vs. Chuwatana

On 5 January 2013, Inoue made a light work ofThainational champion Ngaoprajan Chuwatana, by scoring a first round knockout.

Inoue vs. Sano

Inoue's third pro fight took place on 16 April 2016, against Japan's number one-ranked light flyweight boxer Yūki Sano. Inoue dominated and knocked out Sano in the tenth round. Which set up his next fight against Japanese light flyweight championRyoichi Taguchi

Inoue vs. Taguchi

On 25 August 2013, Inoue captured the Japaneselight flyweighttitle from theWBA's number three-ranked contender, and futureWBA,IBF,andRingmagazinelight flyweightchampion,Ryoichi Taguchi.This was seen as Inoue's toughest test thus far but in the end he dominated and battered Taguchi over ten rounds.

Inoue vs. Mancio

After the big win against Taguchi, Inoue then fought for the vacantOPBFlight flyweight title against Filipino light flyweight champion Jerson Mancio on 6 December 2013 on the undercard ofYaegashi-Sosa.Inoue defeated Mancio with a 5th-round TKO to claim the regional title. Earlier that day, his younger brother,Takuma Inoue,made his professional debut with a unanimous decision victory.

Inoue vs. Hernández

Inoue stoppedAdrián Hernández(29–2–1, 18 KOs) to be crowned theWBClight flyweight champion in his sixth professional bout at Ota-City General Gymnasium on 6 April 2014. In doing so, Inoue set the record for winning a major world championship in the fewest professional fights for a Japanese boxer.Hernández was a two-division champion who had previously gone 8–1 in world title bouts and was ranked at No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB, but Inoue dominated the fight from beginning to end.

Inoue vs. Kokietgym

Inoue's sole defense of his light flyweight title came againstSamartlek Kokietgym(17–5, 5 KOs) in September 2014. Inoue routed Kokietgym, winning every round on all scorecards and dropping his opponent twice before finally stopping him in the 11th round.

Move up to super flyweight

Inoue vs. Narváez

In November 2014, he vacated his light flyweight title to challenge two division champion and currentWBOjunior bantamweighttitle-holderOmar Andrés Narváez(43–1–2, 23 KOs), Narváez was ranked No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB. The fight was scheduled for 30 December 2014. Narváez only loss had come by decision toNonito Donaireat bantamweight in 2011. Narváez had won his first world championship in 2002, making twenty-seven title defenses of his belts since. Narváez had reigned as champion for 14 years, while Inoue arrived at the fight with a 7–0 record. However, the young challenger Inoue put Narváez down within a minute of the first round. He then proceeded to hurt Narváez over and over with carefully placed body shots. Inoue knocked out the long time champion in the second round to capture his second world title. Inoue become the first and only fighter to stop Narváez.

Inoue vs. Parrenas

Inoue suffered an injury with the punch that put Narvaéz down the first time. In response to Inoue being sidelined, theWBOissued an interim title bout between two of its top-ranked contenders, David Carmona and Warlito Parrenas. The winner would have the right to face Inoue following his comeback.The fight was ruled a split draw after 12 roundsbut Inoue chose to face Parrenas regardless in his comeback bout on 29 December 2015. Parrenas was blown out in a similar manner as Narváez. The referee waved off the fight in the second round, after Parrenas was dropped twice and he could not get up, giving Inoue a KO victory.

Inoue vs. Caromna

Inoue would then face Carmona in May 2016, suffering another hand injury midway through the fight. Because of his hand injury, Inoue made the conscious decision to win on points. But in the 12th round Inoue rallied himself to get the stoppage and threw a barrage of punches which dropped Carmona. Carmona barely beat the count and was on unsteady legs. Inoue continued the onslaught with flurry of unanswered punches. But the referee did not bother to stop the fight and Carmona saw the final bell. Inoue would eventually win a comfortable unanimous decision (118–109, 118–109, 116–111).

Inoue vs. Kokietgym

Inoue's third defense came againstPetchbarngborn Kokietgymon September of that same year. Inoue was unable to get a quick finish, but he unleashed a flurry of punches in the 10th round which led to Kokietgym being counted out.

Inoue vs. Kono

On 9 November, it was announced that Inoue's fourth defense would come againstKohei Kono(32–10–1, 13 KOs) on 30 December 2016.Kono was a two-time junior bantamweight champion. In his previous fight Kono lost hisWBAtitle toLuis Concepciónin a controversial decision. Naoya's brother, Takuma, was slated to challenge for a world title againstMarlon Tapaleson the same night but he pulled out due to a fractured right hand.Inoue stopped Kono in another commanding performance. Kono was dropped once by a left hook from Inoue before being stopped in the sixth round. This was the first time Kono lost a fight due to stoppage.

Proposed bout vs. González

During 2016, Inoue repeatedly sought a unification bout against four-division champion and current WBC super flyweight championRomán González.However, González chose to faceCarlos Cuadrasinstead in the second half of the year.And Inoue was in attendance for the González vs Cuadras fight. Shortly after González's win over Cuadras, representatives of Inoue sent a formal offer to González for what would've been a unification showdown. González stipulated that the terms offered for an Inoue fight weren't good enough, and turned down the contract.

Inoue vs. Rodríguez

Inoue's fifth defense of his WBO title came against Ricardo Rodríguez in May 2017. Rodríguez proved to be yet another outmatched opponent, as Inoue comfortably won by stopping him in the 3rd round following a flurry of punches.

Inoue vs. Nieves

Following his easy win over Rodríguez, Inoue joined theHBOBoxing After Darkcard "Superfly" set at theStubHub Centeron 9 September 2017. The event was headlined by theGonzález-Sor Rungvisairematch for theWBCjunior bantamweight title. It was verbally agreed that should González win against Rungvisai, then He and Inoue will meet in a unification bout. But González ended up getting knocked out by Rungvisai, which derailed their fight. It also featured a WBC eliminator betweenCarlos CuadrasandJuan Francisco Estrada,in addition to Inoue's debut in the US, and first pro bout abroad.Originally, formerIBFsuper flyweight championMcJoe Arroyowas slated to be Inoue's challenger,but Arroyo backed out to fightRau'shee Warreninstead.Inoue also wanted to fight his WBO mandatory challengerJuan Francisco Estrada,but Estrada declined and went the WBC route. Which meant that Inoue's next fight would be againstAntonio Nieves(17–2–2, 9 KOs) instead.

Inoue's sixth defense of his WBO title was successful, as he hammered Nieves, who threw in the towel after six rounds. Nieves was rocked towards the end of round 2, but Inoue was unable to finish him as he headed back to his corner when he mistook the 10-second warning with the bell. Inoue scored a knockdown in round 5 after a left hook to the body. Nieves retired after round 6, when Inoue repeatedly landed that left hook to the body to no response from Nieves. Inoue landed 118 of 407 punches (29%) to Nieves' 45 of 209 (22%). After the win Inoue wanted to face Rungvisai, who had just knocked out González. But Rungvisai was caught up with mandatory duty against Estrada. So the fight didn't happen.

Failed bout vs. González

During 2016, Inoue repeatedly sought a unification bout against four-division champion and current WBC super flyweight championRomán González.However, González chose to faceCarlos Cuadrasinstead in the second half of the year.And Inoue was in attendance and at ringside for that fight. Shortly after González's win over Cuadras, representatives of Inoue sent a formal offer to González for what would've been a unification showdown. González stipulated that the terms offered for an Inoue fight weren't good enough, and turned down the contract.González felt he would have receive more money for a potential rematch with Cuadras on HBO. The rematch against Cuadras didn't happen. Instead, González lost the WBC super flyweight title by a split decision toSrisaket Sor Rungvisaiin March 2017. September 2017 saw Inoue and González appear on the same card in Carson, California. Making his United States debut with a six-round stoppage over Antonio Nieves, Inoue was looking to set up a match with González in 2018. But González didn't live up to his end of the bargain, as he got knocked out in four rounds in a rematch with Rungvisai. At that moment, any future talk of a fight between Inoue and González was dead in the water.

Inoue vs. Boyeaux

Inoue stated that he would move tobantamweightin the future but he would seek to unify titles against another junior bantamweight titleholder in December 2017.Inoue's team later claimed that they were having trouble securing an opponent for the New Year's Eve date. They'd reportedly agreed to terms withIBFchampionJerwin Ancajas,but he would later announce he was fightingJamie Conlanin November. So Boyeaux was brought in as a last minute replacement for Ancajas.On 16 November, it was announced that Inoue would face Yan Boyeaux on 30 December, in a show televised byFuji TV.Inoue said he planned to box in the United States again within 2 months after fighting Boyeaux.Inoue dropped Boyeaux four times before referee Raul Caiz Jr. eventually stepped in at 1 minute and 40 seconds of round 3, giving Inoue the win, successfully retaining the WBO title for the seventh time.Inoue stated that he had plans to move up to bantamweight, where he would seek to become a three-weight world champion. But before moving up in weight. Inoue was supposed to fight against WBA championKal Yafaiin a unification bout at the "Superfly 2" card in US. But Yafai's promoterEddie Hearnturned down the fight, saying, "it would be Yafai's highest payday against Inoue, but the pay didn't mitigate the risk."

Move up to bantamweight

Inoue vs. McDonnell

PromoterEddie Hearnfirst reported toSky Sportson 14 February 2018 that a deal was being negotiated for 3 time bantamweight champion and the currentWBA bantamweightchampionJamie McDonnell(29–2–1 13 KOs) to defend his title, which he won in 2014, for the seventh time, against Inoue in Japan. Mcdonnell was undefeated champion for a decade and was ranked No. 2 by The Ring.On 6 March, Inoue held a press conference in Japan announcing the fight against McDonnell at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan on 25 May 2018.The fight started at a pace that McDonnell was unable to sustain; initially being hurt with a left hook to the top of the head, followed by being sent to the canvas by a two punch combination culminating in a left hook to the body. He bravely got up, only to be sent back down after a series of brutal punches by Inoue including another clean left hook which seemed to discombobulate McDonnell's senses. The referee waved the fight off within less than a round declaring Inoue the TKO victor.

World Boxing Super Series

Main article:2018–19 World Boxing Super Series – bantamweight division

After defeating McDonnell, Inoue said, "I'll participate in theWorld Boxing Super Seriesto face other world champions with pleasure, "confirming he would take part in the bantamweight tournament, where he would meet other world champions, WBA 'Super champion'Ryan Burnett(19–0, 9 KOs), WBO championZolani Tete(27–3, 21 KOs) and IBF championEmmanuel Rodríguez(18–0, 12 KOs).

Inoue vs. Payano

At the draft gala on 20 July, Inoue (16–0, 14KOs) chose to defend his WBA title against former WBA(Undisputed) bantamweight championJuan Carlo Payano(20–1, 9 KOs) in the quarter-final. Payano was seen as the boogeyman of the division.previously Payano had lost his world title toRau'shee Warrenin a controversial decision.In August, the fight was announced to take place on 7 October at theYokohama ArenainYokohama,Japan.Inoue won the fight with a first-round knockout. It was a right hand just 70 seconds into their scheduled 12-round bout. Inoue connected with a jab before blasting Payano with a perfect straight right hand that put Payano flat on his back and unable to continue. Referee Pinit Prayadsab immediately stopped the fight at 1:10 into the first round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Payano.The knockout was later votedthe Ring magazine Knockout of the Year.

Inoue vs. Rodríguez

IBF bantamweight championEmmanuel Rodríguez(19–0, 12 KOs) defeatedJason Moloneyvia decision in October 2018, booking his place into the semi-final against Inoue. On 12 February 2019, the fight was set to take place at theSSE HydroinGlasgow, Scotland,on 18 May 2019.In April,Nonito Donairedefeated late replacement Stephon Young, to confirm his place in the final. Donaire stated he would 'love to fight' Inoue in the final, as the two have always respected each other.On 3 May,The RingMagazine,announced their vacantbantamweight titlewould be at stake. At the time, WBO championZolani Tete,who was ranked No. 2 withThe Ring,withdrew from the tournament with injury. Editor-in-Chief, Doug Fischer, explained with Inoue and Rodríguez ranked No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, the bout was worthy of being for the title, as both had earned their positions in the rankings.On 18 May, Inoue advanced to the final by knocking out undefeated Rodríguez in the second round. Inoue dropped Rodríguez three times in quick succession before the fight was stopped at 1:20 of the second round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Rodriguez.

Inoue vs. Donaire

Inoue facedfour-weight world championand currentWBA(super) bantamweight championNonito Donaire(40–5, 26 KOs) on 7 November 2019 in Saitama, Japan, for the World Boxing Super Series final. In a thrilling fight that saw incredible heart, grit, endurance, intelligence, and skill displayed by Inoue, as he battled 11 straight rounds withdouble vision,and ultimately won a unanimous decision with scores of 116–111, 117–109, 114–113. In doing so, he became the first fighter to defeat Donaire at bantamweight.Inoue started the fight very brightly. In the second round, a left hook from Donaire caused a serious cut above Inoue's right eye which affected his vision for the rest of the bout, but he fought back hard and in the fifth round had Donaire in trouble, who was saved by the bell. However, Donaire retained his composure and began to find more success as the fight went on, particularly in the ninth round where he rocked Inoue with a tremendous right hand. During the eleventh round, Inoue landed a hard liver shot on Donaire, who turned away in pain before dropping to his knees. Some fans questioned the referee's actions as while Donaire was circling away, the referee seemed to come between the fighters and prevent Inoue from following up, before giving Donaire along count,and on top of giving a long count, referee Ernie Sharif literally counted to 10 and still let Donaire continue, which let to him being able to see the final bell. After the fight, Donaire and Inoue showed each other mutual respect, with Inoue lauding Donaire as "a true champion".Inoue was presented theMuhammad AliTrophy byFighting Harada.As the winner of the tournament, Inoue was awarded the honoraryWBC Diamondbelt. But he rejected it since he was not a WBC champion.Afterwards, Inoue revealed he had suffered a fractured orbital bone in the second round causing him to see double, and also a broken nose.The fight was later votedthe Ring magazine Fight of the Year.

Inoue vs. Moloney

Inoue was supposed to faceWBObantamweighttitlistJohn Riel Casimeroon 25 April 2020 before that fight was canceled because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.Inoue tried to reschedule the fight and was willing to take a paycut to do so, but Casimero declined, and foughtDuke Micahinstead on 26 September. Unable to reschedule the fight, Inoue faced futureWBObantamweight championJason Moloney(21–1, 18 KOs) as a replacement on 31 October at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. Moloney's only loss was a close split decision toEmmanuel Rodríguez.Moloney was ranked No. 6 by The Ring, No. 1 by the WBO, No. 2 by the WBA and No. 4 by the IBF.Inoue scored a seventh-round knockout victory. In the sixth round, a quick counter left hook sent Moloney down. In the seventh, a short right hand sent Moloney down for the second time. While he tried to get up, he did not have his senses, and refereeKenny Baylessstopped the fight at 2:59 of the round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Moloney. During a post-fight interview with Inoue, he spoke about his wishes for future opponents: "TheNordine Oubaali-Nonito Donairewinner with the WBC title andCasimerowith the WBO, they're within my sights are far as fights go. "

Inoue vs. Dasmariñas

Inoue faced hisIBFmandatory challengerand currentIBObantamweight championMichael Dasmariñas(30–2–1, 20 KOs) on 19 June 2021 inParadise, Nevada.Dasmarinas was ranked No. 1 by theIBFand No. 8 by theWBA.He scored threeknockdownsin the span of three rounds, each one with a left hook to the body of Dasmariñas, to win via third-round stoppage. After the fight, Inoue stated his desire to become the firstundisputedchampion in the bantamweight division, saying "Getting this win brings a smile to my face. The ability to face the winner ofDonaire-Casimerobrings an even bigger smile to my face. "

Inoue vs. Dipaen

It was announced on 21 October 2021 that Inoue would be defending his bantamweight world titles in a voluntary defense against IBF No. 6 ranked contender Aran Dipaen (12–2, 11 KOs) on 14 December 2021, at theRyōgoku KokugikaninTokyo.According to Inoue, his team first attempted to arrange bouts withRau'shee WarrenandGary Antonio Russell,but were unable to do so with both turning down the fight and also Japan's strict coronavirus protocols made bringing in foreign fighters very difficult.Inoue's first domestic fight in over two years was distributed through PPV by Hikari TV andAbema TVin Japan, but didn't receive any international coverage.Inoue entered the bout as a -3000 favorite to retain his titles.Inoue won the fight by an eight-round technical knockout. He knocked Dipaen down with a left hook in the eighth round, and although Dipaen was able to beat the ten count, he was badly staggered by a second left hook as soon as the action resumed, which prompted referee Michiaki Someya to wave the fight off.Inoue earned a guaranteed purse of $500,000; $300,000 in show money and a $200,000 win bonus. His reported fight purse did not include sponsorship payments.Inoue was later named the 2021 "Fighter of the Year" by the Japanese Boxing Commission.

Inoue vs. Donaire II

Inoue made his fifth title defense as a unified bantamweight champion in a title unification bout with the reigningWBCchampionNonito Donaireon 7 June 2022, at theSaitama Super ArenainSaitama,Japan. Donaire was ranked No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB. The fight was for lineal championship and rematch of their 7 November 2019 title unification bout, which Inoue won by unanimous decision.Inoue opened as the favorite, with most odds-makers having him as a -400 favorite to win the rematch.The bout was broadcast byAmazon Prime Videodomestically in Japan, and byESPN+in the United States.Inoue won the fight by a second-round technical knockout. After knocking Donaire down at the very end of the first round, Inoue once again staggered him with a left hook near the start of the second round, before finishing him with a flurry of punches at the 1:24-minute mark of the round. He became the only fighter to stop Donaire at bantamweight and also became Japan's first-ever three-belt titleholder in boxing history.Inoue expressed his desire to fight theWBOchampionPaul Butlerin his post-fight interview, stating: "My aim is to be the undisputed champion. But if I can't, I am capable of [moving up] and fighting for a belt".Inoue was ranked as the number onepound for poundboxer byThe RingandTBRBafter this victory, thus becoming the first Japanese boxer to reach that milestone.

Inoue vs. Butler

Main article:Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler

On 25 August 2022, it was announced that Inoue would face 2 time bantamweight champion and the current reigningWBObantamweight championPaul Butlerin a title unification bout. It took place on 13 December 2022, at theAriake Arenain Tokyo, Japan, and was broadcast byAmazon Primedomestically and byESPN+in the United States.It was Butler's first fight outside of theUnited Kingdom.Inoue won the fight by an eleventh-round knockout, as he stopped Butler with repeated body shots at the 1:09-minute mark of the round. He was up 100–90 on all three scorecards at the time of the stoppage and had out-landed Butler 151 to 38 in total punches, with 97 of those being power punches. Inoue announced his intention to move up tosuper bantamweightin the post-fight interview, stating: "I was able to make this goal of becoming undisputed world champion. Now, I'm considering going up to super bantamweight."After the win he became the first undisputed bantamweight champion sinceEnrique Pinderin 1972 and the first undisputed bantamweight champion in four-belt era. He also became the first-ever Japanese and Asian boxer to claim undisputed championship status in the three- or four-belt era,as well as the first and only boxer in history to defeat all four major sanctioning organisation champions by knockout.Inoue vacated all five titles on 13 January 2023, as he moved up to super bantamweight.

Move up to super bantamweight

Inoue vs. Fulton

On 18 January 2023, it was revealed that Inoue had entered into negotiations with the undefeatedunifiedsuper bantamweightworld championStephen Fulton.Fulton was ranked No. 1 by The Ring and TBRB. The fight was expected to take place at theYokohama ArenainYokohama, Japan,on 7 May 2023, and would have been broadcast byLeminodomestically andESPN+in the United States.The fight was postponed on 21 March, as Inoue suffered a fist injury during training camp.The bout was rescheduled for 25 July 2023, at theAriake ArenainTokyo,Japan.Inoue won the fight by an eighth-round technical knockout. Inoue dominated and completely outboxed fulton, in a fight where most believed was a 50-50 fight. In the eighth round he first knocked Fulton down with a left hook and forced referee Hector Afu to stop the contest with a flurry of unanswered punches soon thereafter, from which Fulton went down to the canvas yet again. After the victory Inoue invited unified WBA (Super) and IBF super bantamweight championMarlon Tapalesinto the ring, who was present at the fight. Tapales challenged Inoue to a undisputed showdown and Inoue accepted the challenge. The two unified champions shook hands for a December fight.Inoue had out-landed his opponent 114 to 47 in total punches and 70 to 24 in power punches by that point.He became the first true Japanese fighter to win major titles infour weight classes,asKazuto Iokahad won secondary titles.

Inoue vs. Tapales

On 21 August 2023, it was reported that Inoue had entered into negotiations with two division champion and currentunifiedWBA (Super)andIBFsuper bantamweightchampionMarlon Tapalesfor an undisputed title bout.The fight was also for lineal championship and took place atAriake ArenainTokyo,Japan on 26 December 2023.Inoue won the fight by tenth-round knockout to become the first ever undisputed super bantamweight champion and a two-division undisputed champion, just a year after fully unifying the bantamweight division. Tapales was knocked down in the fourth round and again in the tenth, with the second knockdown rendering him unable to rise from the canvas in time to beat the count.Inoue out-landed Tapales 146 to 52 in total punches and 114 to 43 in power punches.This was Inoue's 19th recorded KO in 21 world title fights, bringing his KO rate to 90.4%, which is the highest KO rate in the history of world title matches.

Inoue vs. Nery

On 8 January 2024, it was reported that Inoue would make his first title defense as an undisputed champion against theWBCmandatory title challenger and former two division championLuis Nery.The bout was scheduled for 6 May 2024 atTokyo Domeand was the first boxing match taking place at the venue since 1990.Despite suffering the first knockdown of his professional career in the opening round, Inoue nonetheless dominated and won the fight by a sixth round knockout. He dropped Nery once in the second round and again in the fifth round, before a third and final knockdown in the sixth round ended the fight. Due to the significance of this bout, Inoue was awarded the honorary WBC Diamond belt.Inoue outlanded his opponent 107 to 54 in total punches and 62 to 34 in power punches.After this victory, Inoue was ranked as the number onepound for poundboxer for the second time in his career byThe RingandTBRB.The fight set the record for the highest peak viewership in Japan's Amazon Prime Video history, surpassing the 2023World Baseball Classicfinals between Japan and the United States.

Inoue vs. Doheny

Inoue made the second defense of his undisputed super bantamweight title against formerIBFsuper bantamweight championTJ DohenyatAriake ArenainTokyoon 3 September 2024. After defending the title against Nery, Inoue's IBF andWBOmandatory challengerSam Goodmancame into the ring to challenge him to a fight. Inoue accepted Goodman's challenge and tried to negotiate a fight for September, but during negotiations Goodman backed out and announced his own fight againstChainoi Worawutfor 10 July. With Goodman unavailable, former champion and WBO No. 2 ranked Doheny was brought in as his replacement.Inoue successfully retained his undisputed title by stopping Doheny with a body shot. During the seventh round, Inoue landed a series of heavy body shots on Doheny, causing him to recoil from pain and limp away from Inoue. He then dropped to one knee, prompting referee Bence Kovacs to wave the fight off. The bout was officially stopped at 0:16 of the seventh round. Inoue became the first fighter to stop Doheny, outlanding him 93 to 52 in total punches and 64 to 41 in power punches.

Inoue vs. Goodman

On October 3, 2024 it was reported that Inoue would defend his undisputed super bantamweight title for the third time, against the undefeatedIBFandWBOmandatory challengerSam Goodmanin Tokyo, Japan on December 24, 2024.

Personal life

Naoya Inoue is married to his high school sweetheart and has three children.He is trained by his father Shingo Inoue, who is a former amateur boxer. He has one younger brother,Takuma Inoue,and one older cousin,Koki Inoue,both of whom are professional boxers.

Professional boxing record

28 fights	28 wins	0 losses
By knockout	25	0
By decision	3	0

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
28	Win	28–0	TJ Doheny	TKO	7 (12),0:16	3 Sep 2024	Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, andThe Ringsuper bantamweight titles
27	Win	27–0	Luis Nery	KO	6 (12),1:39	6 May 2024	Tokyo Dome,Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, andThe Ringsuper bantamweight titles
26	Win	26–0	Marlon Tapales	KO	10 (12),1:02	26 Dec 2023	Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles; WonWBA (Super),IBF,and vacantThe Ringsuper bantamweight titles
25	Win	25–0	Stephen Fulton	TKO	8 (12),1:14	25 Jul 2023	Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan	WonWBCandWBO super bantamweight titles
24	Win	24–0	Paul Butler	KO	11 (12),1:09	13 Dec 2022	Ariake Arena,Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, andThe Ringbantamweight titles; WonWBO bantamweight title
23	Win	23–0	Nonito Donaire	TKO	2 (12),1:24	7 Jun 2022	Super Arena, Saitama, Japan	Retained WBA (Super), IBF, andThe Ringbantamweight titles; WonWBC bantamweight title
22	Win	22–0	Aran Dipaen	TKO	8 (12),2:34	14 Dec 2021	Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBA (Super), IBF, andThe Ringbantamweight titles
21	Win	21–0	Michael Dasmariñas	KO	3 (12),2:45	19 Jun 2021	Virgin Hotels Las Vegas,Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBA (Super), IBF, andThe Ringbantamweight titles
20	Win	20–0	Jason Moloney	KO	7 (12),2:59	31 Oct 2020	MGM Grand Conference Center,Paradise, Nevada,U.S.	Retained WBA (Super), IBF, andThe Ringbantamweight titles
19	Win	19–0	Nonito Donaire	UD	12	7 Nov 2019	Super Arena,Saitama,Japan	Retained IBF andThe Ringbantamweight titles; WonWBA (Super) bantamweight title; World Boxing Super Series: bantamweight final
18	Win	18–0	Emmanuel Rodríguez	KO	2 (12),1:20	18 May 2019	SSE Hydro,Glasgow,Scotland	RetainedWBA (Unified) bantamweight title; WonIBFand vacantThe Ringbantamweight titles; World Boxing Super Series: bantamweight semi-final
17	Win	17–0	Juan Carlos Payano	KO	1 (12),1:10	7 Oct 2018	Yokohama Arena,Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan	Retained WBA (Regular) bantamweight title; World Boxing Super Series: bantamweight quarter-final
16	Win	16–0	Jamie McDonnell	KO	1 (12),1:52	25 May 2018	Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan	WonWBA (Regular) bantamweight title
15	Win	15–0	Yoan Boyeaux	KO	3 (12),1:40	30 Dec 2017	Cultural Gymnasium,Yokohama, Kanagawa,Japan	Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
14	Win	14–0	Antonio Nieves	RTD	6 (12),3:00	9 Sep 2017	Dignity Health Sports Park,Carson, California,U.S.	Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
13	Win	13–0	Ricardo Rodriguez	KO	3 (12),1:08	21 May 2017	Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
12	Win	12–0	Kohei Kono	KO	6 (12),1:01	30 Dec 2016	Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
11	Win	11–0	Petchbarngborn Kokietgym	KO	10 (12),3:03	4 Sep 2016	Sky Arena, Zama, Kanagawa, Japan	Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
10	Win	10–0	David Carmona	UD	12	8 May 2016	Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
9	Win	9–0	Warlito Parrenas	KO	2 (12),1:20	29 Dec 2015	Ariake Coliseum,Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBO junior bantamweight title
8	Win	8–0	Omar Narváez	KO	2 (12),3:01	30 Dec 2014	Metropolitan Gymnasium,Tokyo, Japan	WonWBO junior bantamweight title
7	Win	7–0	Samartlek Kokietgym	TKO	11 (12),1:08	5 Sep 2014	Yoyogi National Gymnasium,Tokyo, Japan	Retained WBC light flyweight title
6	Win	6–0	Adrián Hernández	KO	6 (12),2:54	6 Apr 2014	Ota City General Gymnasium,Tokyo, Japan	WonWBC light flyweight title
5	Win	5–0	Jerson Mancio	TKO	5 (12),2:51	6 Dec 2013	Ryōgoku Kokugikan,Tokyo, Japan	Won vacantOPBF light flyweight title
4	Win	4–0	Ryoichi Taguchi	UD	10	25 Aug 2013	Sky Arena,Zama, Kanagawa,Japan	Won Japaneselight flyweighttitle
3	Win	3–0	Yūki Sano	TKO	10 (10),1:09	16 Apr 2013	Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
2	Win	2–0	Ngaoprajan Chuwatana	KO	1 (8),1:50	5 Jan 2013	Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
1	Win	1–0	Crison Omayao	KO	4 (8),2:04	2 Oct 2012	Korakuen Hall,Tokyo,Japan

Exhibition boxing record

4 fights	0 wins	0 losses
Non-scored	4

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
4	—	0–0(4)	Daigo Higa	—	3	11 Feb 2021	Yoyogi National Gymnasium,Tokyo,Japan	Non-scored bout
3	—	0–0(3)	Genesis Servania	—	3	19 Aug 2018	Sangyo Hall,Kanazawa,Japan	Non-scored bout
2	—	0–0(2)	Genesis Servania	—	3	3 Jul 2016	Happiring,Fukui,Japan	Non-scored bout
1	—	0–0(1)	Akira Yaegashi	—	2	19 May 2014	Korakuen Hall,Tokyo,Japan	Non-scored bout

See also

• Boxing in Japan
• Notable boxing families
• List of Japanese boxing world champions
• List of world light-flyweight boxing champions
• List of world super-flyweight boxing champions
• List of world bantamweight boxing champions
• List of world super-bantamweight boxing champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions

External links

• Boxing record for Naoya InouefromBoxRec(registration required)
• Official website
• Naoya Inoue - Profile, News Archive & Current RankingsatBox.Live

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Preceded by Ryoichi Taguchi	Japaneselight flyweightchampion 25 August 2013 – 18 October 2013 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Yu Kimura
Vacant Title last held by Shin Ono	OPBFlight flyweight champion 6 December 2013 – 28 February 2014 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Jonathan Taconing
World boxing titles
Preceded by Adrián Hernández	WBC light flyweight champion 6 April 2014 – 3 November 2014 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Pedro Guevara
Preceded by Omar Narváez	WBO junior bantamweight champion 30 December 2014 – 6 March 2018 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Donnie Nietes
Preceded by Jamie McDonnell	WBA bantamweight champion 25 May 2018 – 7 November 2019 Regular title until 18 May 2019 WonSuper title	Vacant Title next held by Guillermo Rigondeaux as Regular champion
Preceded by Emmanuel Rodríguez	IBF bantamweight champion 18 May 2019 – 13 January 2023 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Emmanuel Rodríguez
Vacant Title last held by Shinsuke Yamanaka	The Ringbantamweight champion 18 May 2019 – 13 January 2023 Vacated	Vacant
Preceded by Nonito Donaire	WBA bantamweight champion Super title 7 November 2019 – 13 January 2023 Vacated
	WBC bantamweight champion 7 June 2022 – 13 January 2023 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Alexandro Santiago
Preceded by Paul Butler	WBO bantamweight champion 13 December 2022 – 13 January 2023 Vacated	Vacant Title next held by Jason Moloney
Vacant Title last held by Enrique Pinder	Undisputed bantamweight champion 13 December 2022 – 13 January 2023 Titles fragmented	Vacant
Preceded by Stephen Fulton	WBC super bantamweight champion 25 July 2023– present	Incumbent
	WBO super bantamweight champion 25 July 2023 – present
Preceded by Marlon Tapales	WBA super bantamweight champion Super title 26 December 2023 – present
	IBF super bantamweight champion 26 December 2023 – present
Vacant Title last held by Guillermo Rigondeaux	The Ringsuper bantamweight champion 26 December 2023 – present
Inaugural champion	Undisputed super bantamweight champion 26 December 2023 – present
Achievements
Preceded by Oleksandr Usyk	The Ringpound for pound No. 1 boxer 11 June – 20 August 2022	Succeeded by Oleksandr Usyk
Preceded by Terence Crawford	The Ringpound for pound No. 1 boxer 6 May – 18 May 2024	Succeeded by Oleksandr Usyk