"Monster" Inoue Defends Undisputed Crown Against Akhmadaliev in Nagoya Showdown

This weekend, while Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Terence Crawford dominate boxing headlines, another pound-for-pound kingpin, Naoya "Monster" Inoue, (30-0, 27 KOs), will put his undisputed junior featherweight championship on the line against the formidable Murodjon "MJ" Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 KOs). The fight is scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, at the IG Arena in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.

Akhmadaliev, a seasoned Uzbekistani boxer, has long been viewed as a dangerous threat to Inoue’s reign. As the WBA’s mandatory challenger, this bout represents a significant opportunity for him to reclaim championship gold. His path, however, has not been without its obstacles. In April 2023, Akhmadaliev suffered a setback, losing a split decision to Marlon Tapales, thereby relinquishing his WBA and IBF junior featherweight titles.

Since the loss to Tapales, Akhmadaliev has strung together three consecutive TKO victories against lesser-known opponents, rebuilding his momentum and securing his mandatory challenger status. While these wins demonstrate his resilience, they provide little indication of how he will fare against the caliber of opposition that Inoue represents.

Inoue, a wrecking ball of a fighter, has steadily ascended the pound-for-pound rankings, currently occupying the coveted No. 1 spot in many boxing circles. His power, speed, and precision have made him a dominant force in multiple weight divisions. However, recent fights have revealed potential vulnerabilities that Akhmadaliev will undoubtedly seek to exploit.

In May 2024, Inoue experienced the first knockdown of his professional career when Luis Nery landed a clean shot in the first round. Similarly, in another bout, Ramon Cardenas managed to drop Inoue with a well-timed left-hand counter. While Inoue ultimately recovered and stopped both Nery and Cardenas, these incidents suggest that a weakness may exist in his defense, particularly against left-hand counters.

Akhmadaliev, a southpaw with a solid left hand, will likely focus on landing that same shot. The Uzbekistani fighter’s strategy will likely revolve around timing and precision, attempting to catch Inoue with a counter as he comes forward. The question is whether Akhmadaliev possesses the power and accuracy to capitalize on any openings Inoue presents.

Adding another layer of intrigue to this fight is the potential for Inoue to be looking past Akhmadaliev. Rumors have already begun circulating regarding his future opponents, with potential matchups against WBC mandatory champion Alan Picasso in December and a highly anticipated Japanese megafight against unified bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani in early 2026.

Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in boxing promotions, has publicly stated his intentions to have Inoue face Alan Picasso in December. Nakatani’s decision to vacate his bantamweight titles and move up in weight further fuels speculation about a future clash with Inoue. The possibility of these lucrative and high-profile fights could potentially distract Inoue from the immediate challenge posed by Akhmadaliev.

The Inoue-Akhmadaliev undercard also features a notable title fight. Yoshiki Takei (11-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBO bantamweight title against Christian Medina (25-4, 18 KOs) in the co-main event. Takei, a rising star in Japanese boxing, will look to continue his undefeated streak and solidify his position as a top contender in the bantamweight division. Medina, a veteran fighter with a strong knockout record, represents a significant test for the young champion. Medina has won four straight since a loss in Japan in 2023.

The undercard bout provides an exciting appetizer for the main event, showcasing the depth of talent in Japanese boxing.

Fight Card and Odds

Main Event: Naoya Inoue vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev – For Inoue’s Undisputed Junior Featherweight Titles
Co-Main Event: Yoshiki Takei vs. Christian Medina – For Takei’s WBO Bantamweight Title

Odds via BetRivers

Broadcast Information

Date: Saturday, September 14th
Start Time: 4:00 a.m. ET (Main Card)
Location: IG Arena, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Streaming: Top Rank Facebook

Analysis

While Akhmadaliev is a skilled and experienced fighter, he does not possess any obvious advantages over Inoue. Both Luis Nery and Ramon Cardenas were able to drop Inoue with clean shots, and it’s unlikely that Inoue will underestimate Akhmadaliev,

Inoue possesses superior power, speed, and overall skill. He is also significantly more experienced than Tapales, who managed to defeat Akhmadaliev by a narrow margin. The Uzbekistani fighter relies heavily on his jab and counter-punching ability, but Inoue’s relentless pressure and precision striking will likely overwhelm him.

The fight is expected to begin in the early rounds with Akhmadaliev trying to establish his jab and dictate the pace. Inoue will look to close the distance and impose his will. As the fight progresses, Inoue’s power and accuracy will take their toll, leading to a stoppage.

Prediction: Naoya Inoue via TKO in Round 5