Naoya Inoue to fight again in December – then in the US in 2025

Top Rank are planning to bring Naoya Inoue to Las Vegas in 2025.

The 31 year old defended his undisputed super-bantamweight title when on Tuesday stopping TJ Doheny in seven rounds at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. 

His co-promoters then swiftly revealed that the fighter, widely considered the finest in the world, will fight again in the Japanese capital in December, before – after growing suggestions that he should do so – fighting for the first time in America since 2021.

“It was another great performance,” said Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who co-promotes the Japanese fighter alongside Ohashi Promotions. 

“I understand he will be coming back here to Tokyo to defend his title at the end of the year. And then we’re taking him to the United States for a big celebration in Las Vegas.”

Australia’s Sam Goodman, 25, had been spoken of as a potential opponent before the date was confirmed with Doheny of Ireland, and he wrote on social media: “See you in December.”

Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev is another of Inoue’s mandatory challengers, and the 29-year-old’s promoter Eddie Hearn posted: “The ONLY fight left for Inoue at 122 and it’s a proper fight. WBA have ordered the fight. It’s time.”