In a highly anticipated match, newly crowned undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) is in talks to defend his title against WBC mandatory challenger Luis Neri (35-1, 27 KOs) in May. Neri is best known for his lightning-quick knockouts of Japanese star Shinsuke Yamanaka.
It is believed that Inoue’s decision to remain in the 122-pound weight class for this fight is to avenge Yamanaka. If successful, Inoue plans to move up to 126 pounds and pursue becoming the undisputed champion in that division.
Inoue: Control of the ring
In a recent bout, Inoue defeated IBF & WBA super bantamweight champion Marlon Tapares (37-4, 19 KOs) via a 10th round knockout, showcasing his dominance in the 122-pound division. Despite Tapares landing some solid shots, Inoue’s victory affirmed his standing as a top pound-for-pound fighter.
This win solidified Inoue’s position on the pound-for-pound list, yet some critics argue that he has not faced strong opponents throughout his career, particularly when compared to boxers like Terrence Crawford. Inoue will need to continue proving himself to gain wider recognition.
Neri: A controversial contender
Luis Neri, a former two-division world champion, has attracted attention due to his positive test for the banned substance zilpaterol following his victory over Shinsuke Yamanaka in 2017. Despite this controversy, Neri remains a formidable challenger for Inoue’s title.
Anticipated showdown
Neri possesses the skills and physical attributes to potentially end Inoue’s title reign. While Inoue has demonstrated his prowess in various weight classes, his opponents have not always been considered top-tier by some observers. This upcoming bout with Neri may provide Inoue with an opportunity to further solidify his standing in the boxing world.
