The boxing world now has concrete details for a major upcoming clash: the highly anticipated undisputed super-bantamweight championship bout between Japan`s pound-for-pound king, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue, and Uzbekistan`s Murodjon Akhmadaliev. The specific venue and date have been officially confirmed, setting the stage for a significant night in the sport.
This title unification fight is scheduled to take place on September 14 at the IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan. The event will be promoted by Ohashi Promotions, bringing one of boxing`s premier attractions back to home soil for another high-stakes encounter.
Naoya Inoue, holding an impressive professional record of 30 wins with zero losses and 27 knockouts, currently reigns supreme as the undisputed champion of the super-bantamweight division. This September defense marks potentially his third title defense within the calendar year, a testament to his activity and dominance at 122 pounds. “The Monster” last saw action in May, delivering an eighth-round stoppage victory over Ramon Cardenas. That fight offered a rare moment of drama for Inoue, as he was briefly knocked down in the second round before quickly recovering and ultimately overwhelming his opponent, showcasing his championship mettle.
Across the ring stands Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the WBA interim champion with a record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 11 knockouts. Akhmadaliev has been a recognized contender in the division and, after reportedly bypassing previous mandatory challenges, he has now enforced his position to secure this shot at undisputed glory. This bout represents, on paper, the most formidable test of the 32-year-old Uzbek`s professional career.
A recent press conference held by Ohashi Promotions formally announced the location and date. Interestingly, Akhmadaliev was not present for the traditional face-off with Inoue – perhaps saving the intense interactions for fight week itself. Regardless, the confrontation on September 14 promises to be far more physical than any pre-fight staredown.
Undercard Highlight
Adding significant support to the championship main event, the card will also feature Yoshiki Takei defending his WBO world bantamweight title. Takei, who remains undefeated, has navigated challenging contests in the past, including notable wins over Jason Moloney and Daigo Higa. His upcoming defense is scheduled against Christian Jimenez. While boxing matchups can always surprise, this particular fight appears, based on the records and recent performances, to be a more manageable assignment for the champion compared to his previous title defenses.
With the venue and date now locked in, anticipation will only continue to build for this undisputed championship collision in Nagoya, a fight critical for the landscape of the super-bantamweight division.
Tristan Blackwood