Naoya Inoue, the Japanese boxing sensation, is ready to make a significant statement in the USA. Recently, Inoue expressed his desire to return to the USA for a bout against one of the top boxers, Gervonta Davis.
This marks the biggest challenge of Inoue’s career, as he returns to the USA after three years to showcase his boxing prowess in the ring. Boxing fans can anticipate an exciting matchup between Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year and the USA’s Gervonta Davis.
Is Naoya Inoue going to fight Gervonta Davis?
Naoya Inoue intends to compete in the super featherweight division, transitioning from his original weight class of super bantamweight. “The Monster” aims to make a statement, emphasizing that his focus extends beyond pursuing money fights. Instead, he wants to showcase his true potential to the world without being driven solely by financial motives.
Naoya Inoue has shot down talk of him ever moving up to fight Gervonta Davis: “I always want to show the best Naoya Inoue. I wouldn't fight at super-featherweight just because the money is good. There are many fighters who have chased the money, but ended up not being able to…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 14, 2024
The Japanese boxer claimed this while talking to Ring Magazine. “I always want to show the best Naoya Inoue. I wouldn’t fight at super-featherweight just because the money is good. Many fighters have chased the money but ended up not being able to perform well and quit. The reason I box is not for the money. There are weight divisions in boxing for a reason.”
Naoya Inoue talks about a possible USA return.
Naoya Inoue regarding his possible return to the USA said, “I definitely want to fight there again.” But the super-bantamweight champion also considers his own country’s market big enough. “However, Japan is now becoming a big market too.”
The 30-year-old champion thinks the “American Dream” name is given for a reason, and this will lead to lots of money. “I think the reason behind wanting the ‘American Dream’ is that name recognition and big money will follow.”
Naoya Inoue asked if he will return to fight in the USA again: “I definitely want to fight there again. However, Japan is now becoming a big market too. I think the reason behind wanting the ‘American Dream’ is that name recognition and big money will follow. But nowadays if you…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 14, 2024
But the only reason to make a return to the USA can’t just be money for Naoya Inoue. Take the example of Stephen Fulton, who fought 21 times in the USA and, in his 22nd fight, he tried to fight in front of a Japanese crowd.
“But nowadays, if you are successful in Japan, you can make millions even in the lighter-weight divisions. That’s why Stephen Fulton came to Japan.”
Fulton fought against Naoya Inoue and suffered a TKO loss in the 8th round on July 25, 2023. It was Fulton’s first-ever defeat in boxing. Inoue’s last victory against Marlon Tapales made him only the second man in the history of boxing to become a two-division champion.
While Inoue is considered one of the best of this generation, for some, he falls short in terms of representing himself on the world stage in popularity. What do you think when Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue fights in the USA?
