Naoya Inoue, known as “The Monster,” has solidified his reputation as one of boxing’s most formidable talents. On September 14, 2025, he faced Murodjon Akhmadaliev in a highly anticipated undisputed super bantamweight championship bout at the IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan. This article delves into the fight details, undercard matches, Inoue’s personal life, and how fans worldwide can watch the event.
Fight Overview: Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev
Date & Venue
-
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
-
Venue: IG Arena, Nagoya, Japan
Championship Status
Naoya Inoue entered the ring as the undisputed super bantamweight champion, holding all four major titles: WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. His opponent, Murodjon Akhmadaliev, a former unified champion, posed a significant challenge, bringing a record of 14 wins and 1 loss, with 11 knockouts.
Fight Significance
This bout was pivotal for Inoue, marking his fifth defense of the undisputed title. A victory would further cement his legacy in the super bantamweight division and potentially set the stage for future high-profile matchups. TalkSport
Undercard Highlights
The event featured several compelling undercard bouts:
-
Yoshiki Takei vs. Christian Medina: Takei defended his WBO bantamweight title against Medina.
-
Yuni Takada vs. Ryusei Matsumoto: A clash for the vacant WBA ‘regular’ strawweight belt.
-
Yudai Murakami vs. Taiga Imanaga: A lightweight bout with the Japanese title on the line.
Personal Life: Inoue’s Family
Naoya Inoue is married to his long-time partner, who has been a supportive figure throughout his boxing career. The couple shares a daughter, and Inoue often expresses his gratitude for their unwavering support, attributing much of his success to his family’s encouragement and stability.
Where to Watch the Fight
Streaming Options
-
United States & United Kingdom: The fight was streamed live and for free on Top Rank’s official Facebook page.
-
Japan: Fans could watch the event live on Lemino.
-
Latin America: ESPN KnockOut provided coverage.
-
Uzbekistan: Zo’r TV broadcasted the fight.
Start Times
-
Main Card: 4:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM BST
-
Main Event Ring Walks: 6:40 AM ET / 11:40 AM BST
Fight Prediction & Analysis
Analysts predicted a challenging bout for Inoue, highlighting Akhmadaliev’s power and technical skills. However, Inoue’s adaptability and experience in high-stakes matches were expected to give him the edge.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, a potential showdown between Naoya Inoue and fellow Japanese boxer Junto Nakatani is being discussed. Nakatani has vacated his bantamweight titles to move up in weight, setting the stage for a possible clash in the super bantamweight division later in 2025 or 2026.
Conclusion
The bout between Naoya Inoue and Murodjon Akhmadaliev was a testament to the high level of competition in the super bantamweight division. With both fighters bringing their best to the ring, fans were treated to an unforgettable night of boxing. As Inoue continues to defend his titles, the future of the division looks promising, with potential matchups that could further elevate the sport’s global appeal.
Leave a Reply