In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Naoya Inoue successfully retained his undisputed super bantamweight title with a decisive unanimous decision victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev, scoring 117-111, 118-110, and 118-110 on the judges' scorecards at the IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

Post-fight, Inoue, ranked as the pound-for-pound No. 2 boxer, wasted no time announcing that he has his sights set on two upcoming challenges. He is slated for a bout on December 27 in Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to clash with David Picasso as part of the highly anticipated Japan-vs.-The World card.

Inoue also turned his attention to fellow boxing sensation Junto Nakatani, who was watching ringside. "One more fight, and then I'm coming for you, Nakatani!" he declared, igniting excitement over a potential superfight scheduled for spring 2026 at the Tokyo Dome, which hosts over 50,000 spectators.

Despite being knocked down in two of his last four fights, Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) silenced critics who suggested he was defensively reckless. Against Akhmadaliev (14-2, 11 KOs), he not only illustrated his knockout power but also showcased his evolved technique and strategic prowess.

Bob Arum, Inoue's co-promoter, praised his performance, stating, "Tonight, we witnessed a complete fighter. Inoue displayed a balance of power, strategy, and exceptional footwork that marks him as one of the greats in boxing history."

From the outset, it was evident that Inoue's speed was too much for Akhmadaliev, who found himself on the defensive as Inoue continually outmaneuvered him. While Akhmadaliev managed to secure a few rounds, Inoue maintained control throughout the match, overcoming a brief scare in the final seconds when a right hook momentarily wobbled him.

This bout was an important showcase of Inoue's versatility, proving that he can adapt to different styles and challenges—not just relying on his knockout ability. It was a performance that would undoubtedly resonate with boxing purists.

In the co-main event, an upset unfolded as Christian Medina (26-4, 19 KOs) took down Yoshiki Takei (11-1, 9 KOs) to claim the WBO bantamweight title, with a smashing fourth-round TKO after flooring Takei early in the fight.

The evening opened with Ryusei Matsumoto (7-0, 4 KOs) capturing the WBA minimumweight title through a unanimous technical decision against Yuni Takada (16-9-3, 3 KOs), although the bout concluded in controversy when Takada was knocked unconscious due to a head clash.

As fans eagerly await Inoue's upcoming bouts, his performance against Akhmadaliev has solidified his status as a marquee attraction in the boxing world.