Japanese boxing sensation, Naoya Inoue, has his sights set on claiming the undisputed championship in the super bantamweight division. Following his remarkable victory over Stephen Fulton Jr, Inoue expressed his desire to face IBF & WBA super bantamweight champion, Marlon Tapales, in his next bout. 

With a victory over Tapales, Inoue aims to secure all four belts at 122 pounds, elevating him to the status of a two-division undisputed champion. Notably, ‘Monster’ Inoue already holds the undisputed championship title at 118 pounds, making this pursuit a significant milestone in his career. Enhance your boxing viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Inoue’s dominance in the super bantamweight division would not be the end of his aspirations. He plans to challenge himself further by moving up to the featherweight division (126 pounds) with the goal of becoming a three-division undisputed champion. 

However, this endeavor presents a greater challenge, as he would face formidable opposition, including the highly-regarded WBO champion, Robeisy Ramirez. Overcoming Ramirez’s prowess would require Inoue to showcase his skills and power on a much grander stage.

A potential matchup between Inoue and Tapales generates substantial interest, particularly in Japan and the Philippines. While it may not be the mega-fight that propels Inoue to worldwide fame, it promises to be an engaging contest. 

For Inoue to enhance his global appeal, he recognizes the need to face well-known opponents who could cast him as the underdog. Boxers like Vasily Lomaachenko or Shakur Stevenson would serve as ideal choices to captivate U.S. boxing fans and elevate Inoue’s international stardom.

Tapales, hailing from the Philippines, recently scored a significant victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev, adding to his impressive record. Although he suffered a setback against Ryosuke Iwasa in 2019, Tapales has since rebounded with four consecutive wins against various opponents. While not widely recognized in the U.S., Inoue’s popularity should help draw attention to this anticipated showdown between two skilled athletes.

Inoue’s immediate focus remains on his upcoming bout against Tapales, which is expected to take place later this year. This clash promises to be an intense battle, with Inoue aiming to prove his championship mettle once again. Only after this contest will the possibility of Inoue moving up to the featherweight division become a reality, possibly in the first quarter of the following year.

To captivate U.S. audiences and solidify his status as a global boxing icon, Inoue must look beyond facing obscure belt holders with limited fan bases in the States. Instead, he must seek out renowned opponents like Robeisy Ramirez, Luis Lopez, Vasily Lomachenko, O’Shaquie Foster, Shakur Stevenson, or Emanuel Navarrete. 

These matchups would not only excite fans but also offer Inoue the chance to showcase his exceptional talents on an international stage, cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s true greats. Get the latest updates from the world of boxing only on Nextbet Sports.