Naoya Inoue, the undefeated four-division champion, is set to finish 2024 as boxing’s standout star, preparing for tough challenges like the undefeated Sam Goodman and potential superfights while aiming to dominate in 2025 and beyond.
Sam Goodman: The Undefeated Challenger Who Could Upset Inoue’s Perfect Record
Naoya Inoue is set to finish 2024 as the clear standout in boxing, making his mark heading into 2025. While Canelo Alvarez is winding down his reign in the super middleweight division and Terence Crawford seems locked on facing him, Inoue, the four-division champion with a perfect record of 28-0 (25 KOs), is all about taking on the toughest challenges.
Even as Murodjon “M.J.” Akhmadaliev raises questions about Inoue’s choice of IBF mandatory Sam Goodman for a Christmas Eve showdown in Tokyo, Inoue is ready for the challenge. The undefeated Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) is ranked No. 1 by both the WBO and IBF, and Inoue sees him as a serious threat. “Sam Goodman is a well-balanced, all-around fighter,” said Inoue. “He is undefeated for a reason. This will not be an easy fight.” Inoue has been on a tear lately, finishing nine straight opponents, including a thrilling sixth-round TKO win over Luis Nery in May. That followed a dominant performance over TJ Doheny in September, where Inoue finished the Australian with a barrage of body shots in the seventh round.
When asked about his progression as a fighter, Inoue revealed that his focus is on controlling his emotions in the ring. “I motivate myself by saying, ‘I will perform better than the fan’s expectations,” he shared. Despite being a global star, Inoue remains humble and always strives to improve. His success isn’t limited to the ring. Inoue recently signed a nearly $20 million sponsorship deal with Turki Alalshikh, head of Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia. This deal highlights his growing influence worldwide.
From Tokyo to Vegas: Inoue’s Road to Superfights and a Fifth Title
Bob Arum, Inoue’s American promoter with Top Rank, has also expressed interest in bringing him to Las Vegas for a superfight with unbeaten WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani in April. There’s also talk of Inoue moving up to featherweight to chase a fifth division title, but he’s not rushing. “I haven’t decided when I’ll be moving up in weight,” Inoue said, leaving his future options wide open. As for his dream opponent, Inoue is keeping his options open: “I don’t have any particular fighter in mind. After each fight, I’m sure the best opponent will emerge.”
Inoue recently shared a moment with Canelo Alvarez at a title-fight festival in Japan. Though a language barrier kept their conversation brief, the images of them together went viral. Inoue was impressed by Canelo’s physique, saying, “My impression of Canelo was how bulky he was.”
Inoue’s focus is clear: he’s intent on continuing to challenge himself and dominate the sport, regardless of who stands in his way.
