Naoya Inoue, the unified WBC/WBO super bantamweight champion, has dismissed immediate plans to ascend to the featherweight division, confirming his intent to remain at 122 pounds at least until the end of 2024. This announcement provides clarity amidst speculation about his potential move to a higher weight class. Inoue, just four pounds above the super bantamweight limit, is gearing up for his December 26th undisputed championship bout against WBA/IBF titleholder Marlon Tapales at Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

Inoue shared with BoxingScene.com his aspiration to achieve more at super bantamweight, stating, “My time here doesn’t end with the undisputed fight. I am focused on [Tapales] but there are still more challenges here I want to take on before I think about fighting at featherweight.” This stance contrasts the vision of Bob Arum, his U.S. promoter, who had previously hinted at a possible matchup with Robeisy Ramirez, then the WBO featherweight titleholder. Ramirez's recent loss and Inoue's comfort in his current division render such speculation moot.

The decision to move up from bantamweight was a necessity for Inoue, a four-division champion from Yokohama, Japan. The struggle to make 118 pounds became evident during his rematch against Nonito Donaire, where despite the weight challenge, Inoue delivered a stunning second-round knockout. His victory over England's Paul Butler to clinch the WBO title solidified him as Japan's first undisputed champion in the four-belt era.

Inoue's dominance continued in the super bantamweight division, marked by an impressive performance against Stephen Fulton, where he weighed in at a robust 121.7 pounds. Looking ahead, post his encounter with Tapales, Inoue envisions at least two title defenses in the coming year. One potential challenger is Luis Nery, the WBC mandatory and a prospect that Inoue has expressed interest in facing.

Inoue’s commitment to the super bantamweight division underscores his desire to further his legacy in this weight class. He remarked, “If you and I are having this conversation a year from now, I see myself still at super bantamweight,” indicating his focused determination to conquer and defend his titles in the 122-pound division before considering any move to featherweight.

Image Credit: DAZN