Naoya Inoue Shuts Down Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Technical Masterclass, Eyes Saudi Arabia and Tokyo Dome

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by Butch Belga

Japanese fighter Naoya Inoue beats mandatory challenger Murodjon "MJ" Akhmadaliev of Uzbekistan to defend his undisputed super bantamweight title.
Japanese fighter Naoya Inoue (left) beats mandatory challenger Murodjon "MJ" Akhmadaliev of Uzbekistan to defend his undisputed super bantamweight title. Photo: Getty Images.

Naoya “The Monster” Inoue reminded the boxing world why he’s one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elites, cruising to a dominant unanimous decision over Murodjon Akhmadaliev to retain his undisputed super bantamweight championship Sunday in Nagoya, Japan. 

The scorecards (118-110, 118-110, 117-111) painted the picture: this was one-way traffic.

For years, critics said Inoue’s greatness was built on pure knockout power, that his defense and patience could be exploited. Against Akhmadaliev, a fighter some believed Inoue had sidestepped, the Japanese superstar put those doubts to rest. He controlled the pace, dictated the rhythm, and delivered a performance that showcased not just heavy hands, but high-level ring IQ and composure.

From the opening bell, Inoue’s speed was the difference. He beat Akhmadaliev to the punch time and again, punishing him with laser-like counters and vicious body work. By the middle rounds, the Uzbek challenger looked hesitant, unable to solve the puzzle in front of him. Inoue’s footwork, angles, and timing kept “MJ” swinging at shadows.

That’s not to say Akhmadaliev folded — he showed grit and nicked a couple of rounds late. He even buzzed Inoue briefly in the closing seconds with a right hook. But the champion never lost control. Every time Akhmadaliev tried to rally, Inoue answered with cleaner, sharper combinations that underscored his superiority.

Naoya Inoue.
Naoya Inoue. Photo: Getty Images.

The victory moves Inoue to a perfect 31-0 with 27 knockouts, further strengthening his case as one of the finest fighters of his generation. And the road ahead is nothing short of tantalizing. Immediately after the fight, Inoue confirmed his next bout is lined up for December in Saudi Arabia, where reports suggest he’ll face rising Mexican contender David Picasso on a massive “Japan vs. The World” showcase.

And then, the dream fight. Inoue turned his attention to countryman Junto Nakatani, a three-division champion and fellow pound-for-pound star who was watching ringside. “One more fight, and then I’m going to get you, Nakatani,” Inoue declared. Early rumblings point toward a Japanese superfight at the Tokyo Dome in spring 2026, a clash that could be one of the biggest events in Asian boxing history.

This wasn’t the blood-and-guts brawl fans usually associate with Inoue. It was something more — a boxing clinic. On this night, Inoue proved he’s not just a destroyer. He’s a complete fighter, one who continues to carve out a legacy that will echo through the sport for decades.