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Naoya Inoue contradicts Eddie Hearn’s demands
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Naoya Inoue contradicts Eddie Hearn’s demands

Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue has hit back at promoter Eddie Hearn and fans who believe he is running away from his main WBA opponent Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Given his defeat on April 8, 2023 against one of his victims, Marlon Tapales, he believes that there is no urgency for him to defend his four super bantamweight titles against Murodjon.

Hearn seemed furious last Saturday night when he called for Naoya to fight back against Akhmadaliev after the 2016 Olympian beat tune-up opponent Ricardo Espinoza (30-5, 25 KOs) by third-round knockout at La Salle of the Stars of Monte Carlo. , Monaco.

Wagging his finger and berating Inoue about “Uzbek power” and other such bullshit, Matchroom promoter Hearn said the Japanese star had to defend himself against Akhmadaliev in the post-interview. fight. Naturally, Naoya is not responsible for his defeat in the battle against Tapales. There would have been no problem if Murodjon had taken appropriate action against Tapales.

Espinoza was hired to make Akhmadaliev appear like 24-karat gold, and he succeeded. Espinoza, 27, was not a very good opponent. This did not fool Inoue. Viewing the match as it was, he refused to back down and offered to give former IBF and WBA 122-pound champion Akhmadaliev, who was promoted by Hearn, the fight he demanded.

For the following reasons, Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) says he has “no need” to face Akhmadaliev (13-1, 10 KOs): Marlon Tapales won, Akhmadaliev needs to maintain his value, he we have to wait and Naoya and Sam Goodman are already scheduled to fight.

On January 24, Inoue will defend his undisputed super bantamweight title at the Ariake Arena, Koto-Ku, in Tokoyo, Japan, against IBF and WBO top contender Sam Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs ). The original plan was for Inoue to face Goodman there on December 24, but during his final training session the Australian suffered a cut over his right eye. They had to delay the fight.

“Why do I have to run from someone who lost to Tapales? It’s not necessary… If you want to fight, keep the “value” of winning and wait!! said Naoya Inoue on X.

“I’m fully focused on the Goodman fight. @AkhmadalievMj,” Inoue said on X.