World junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue emphatically knocked out Ye Joon Kim in Round 4 to start his year in style on Friday to leave all who watched eager to know what’s next.
Here are five realistic options for Inoue as he prepares to leave Japan behind, at least for two fights, and embark on adventures in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia in 2025…
No. 5 – Sam Goodman, 19-0 (9 KOs)
Goodman, 26, had two chances to fight Inoue. A cut ruled him out of scheduled challenges in December and January and though some may say his chance has gone, there remains a sense of unfinished business. The fight might be interesting as Goodman holds a win over quality contender Ra’eese Aleem. Still, Goodman needs to prove to the IBF and WBO that he deserves to remain their mandatory contender.
No. 4 – David Picasso, 31-0-1 (17 KOs)
Picasso, 24, is the most likely next opponent for Inoue. Inoue is set to fight in Las Vegas next, with a trip to Saudi later in the year, and Picasso is the No.1 contender for the WBC title. Picasso defeated veteran Azat Hovhannisyan in September but Inoue represents a gargantuan step-up.
No. 3 – Nick Ball, 21-0-1 (12 KOs)
If Inoue were to test the waters in the featherweight division, Ball would be a good fit based on build (he’s only 5ft 2) and styles. Ball, from Liverpool, England, won the WBA featherweight title against Raymond Ford via a split-decision and made one defense in October against Ronny Rios. Ball returns in March, taking on former Inoue opponent TJ Doheny, and could face “The Monster” later this year if a rise in weight becomes the plan.
No. 2 – Murodjon Akhmadaliev, 13-1 (10 KOs)
On paper, 30-year-old Akhmadaliev might be the most interesting – and deserving – opponent Inoue could face at junior feather. However, you can’t overlook that Akhmadaliev lost to Marlon Tapales, who instead fought Inoue in 2023. Akhmadaliev, a former unified belt holder, has gotten two stoppages in his two fights since his split-decision loss to Tapales. Akhmadaliev, who can boast a decorated amateur career, presents a solid risk.
No. 1 – Junto Nakatani, 29-0 (22 KOs)
Simply one of the best fights to make in the sport. Very unlikely to be next but rumors persist that this all-Japan barnburner could take place later in the year. Nakatani is the current WBC bantamweight titleholder who looks to make his third successful title defense on February 24 against David Contreras. Let’s hope he keeps his dairy free after that…
Others: Undefeated Bryan Acosta holds a No. 2 ranking in the WBA and is undefeated since 2017 and is in action on February 8… Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is a superfight waiting to happen, but the junior bantamweight is still two divisions away from Inoue… Elijah Pierce would be a compelling match-up, but fought only twice in 2024 and likely needs a marquee win to gain consideration.
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