Undefeated Japanese Naoya Inoue, at 31 years of age, will face Britain’s Sam Goodman on January 24 at the Ariake Arena, Koto-Ku, in Tokyo, Japan. In a fight that seems like a formality for Inoue, and should win easily. Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) is not a threat to the Monster, and we think this should be his last fight at Super Bantamweight.
If Inoue decides to move up to featherweight, we have several fighters there ready to welcome him to a title fight in this weight class. However, his team’s plans may only lead him to a preliminary fight before facing one of the current featherweight champions.
Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza and Angelo Leo are logical candidates. Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton fought each other in February, and the winner could slip his name onto the list. If Naoya wants to fight for a title right away. Fulton was knocked out by Inoue in 8 rounds at super-bantamweight in 2023.
Another man in this weight category who could emerge is Robeisy Ramirez. The Cuban lost to Espinoza in a controversial fight, and little is known about his medical situation after his loss to El Divino. However, his status in this weight category opens up a margin to match Inoue if he has already recovered his health.
Nick Ball will face TJ Doheny on March 15, closing the possibility of both facing Naoya soon. Rey Vargas hasn’t won since 2022, and O’Shaquie Foster still hasn’t beaten Robinson Conceicao; likely they will have a third fight after their wins via split decision in both fights.
Although Naoya’s outlook at featherweight isn’t bright, boxing fans remain interested in seeing him up against the top at 126lb. Continuing on 122 will waste time and money for the Japanese Monster. His superiority against the super bantamweight is wide, and we don’t see anyone being able to stop him or give him a hard fight.
We believe Naoya should step forward and move up to featherweight in 2025. Most fans want to measure his capacity at 126 pounds. If his team in Japan decides to move him up in weight, the opponent’s name should be important.
Naoya Inoue’s position in the LxL lists means that his featherweight rival should be a real contender. Due to their physical advantages in stature and reach, Rey Vargas and Rafael Espinoza look like very strong contenders. We don’t know if the Mexicans will be able to keep up with featherweight much longer; it’s possible both should go to superfeathers, opening a more even compass for Inoue at this weight.
After considering all the possibilities, among the best contenders in the featherweight, although it seems unlikely, we tend to believe that the Cuban Robeisy Ramirez could be the chosen one. The reason is that the Cuban still holds his name at the top of this weight, and Inoue’s physical disadvantages would not be so overwhelming.
Regardless of who Naoya Inoue and his team choose to make the jump from 126 pounds, it’s a fact that the fans want to see him face the best in that weight class. Naoya, to some, looks invincible not only at 126 pounds, but even seeing him in the future, finishing his career and dominating at super featherweight, seems unlikely.
For now, we’ll be content to see him move up and measure up against the best featherweight available during 2025. There are names that could surprise Inoue at this weight, and we’re eager to see if he continues his power and dominance at this weight. can keep
