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Naoya Inoue to face undefeated American star now ‘inevitable’: ‘One of the biggest fights in boxing’

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Naoya Inoue facing undefeated US star now ‘inevitable’: “One of the biggest fights in boxing”

Eddie Hearn has named one fight that he believes is “inevitable” for Naoya Inoue, who must first defend his undisputed super bantamweight crown against Junto Nakatani.

Their all-Japanese clash will take place on May 2 at the Tokyo Dome and is expected to be attended by 55,000 spectators.

Such is the level of intrigue surrounding their meeting, which many believe will be the toughest test of Inoue’s career to date.

Up to this point, “The Monster” was winning most of his fights in one-sided fashion while remaining the undisputed champion of two divisions.

Of course, he suffered knockdowns against Luis Nery and Ramon Cardenas, but he ultimately rose to the top and won both fights by stoppage.

Even in his first meeting with Nonito Donairein 2019, Inoue showed tremendous courage and cunning to ultimately emerge victorious by unanimous decision.

Against Nakatani, the 33-year-old may have to overcome similar periods of adversity, but he is clearly favored to retain his four major 122-pound titles.

Meanwhile, there is hope that he will finally face the Japanese star Jesse Rodriguez, who will fight for the three-division world title against WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas on June 13.

If ‘Bam’ wins, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn will likely extend his contract his conversations with Turki Alalshikh about a potential Inoue fight.

“There [have] preliminary talks took place with [Alalshikh] about Inoue vs. “Bam” and I truly think this fight is inevitable.

“I don’t think it will necessarily happen immediately after the Vargas fight, but it could happen in the next two or three fights.

“This is probably one of the biggest fights in boxing. ‘Bam’ likes the idea.”

Moving up to 118 pounds for his next fight, Rodruguez remains the unified super flyweight world champion and can therefore pursue an undisputed clash with the winner of the Willibaldo Garcia vs. Andrew Moloney fight on June 6.

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Johnny Fisher Signs with Zuffa Boxing for September 26 London Main Event

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"Johnny Fisher Signs with Zuffa Boxing for September 26 London Main Event"
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The agreement gives the 27-year-old Romford fighter a fresh platform following a turbulent spell that included the first defeat of his professional career. Rather than ease back into competition, Fisher will immediately top the bill at ZUFFA BOXING 11 as the promotion continues to strengthen its heavyweight roster.

“The most exciting chapter of my professional career begins,” Fisher said. “Thank you to Dana White, Nick Khan, and the Zuffa Boxing team for this opportunity. Everything has led to this point. Bull Army, get ready to assemble. Bosh!”

Fisher earned widespread attention during his rise through the domestic heavyweight scene with an aggressive style that produced 12 knockouts from 14 victories. His latest outing saw him stop previously unbeaten Ivan Balaz in four rounds, restoring momentum after his rematch defeat to Dave Allen.

The Copper Box Arena has become a familiar venue for Fisher. September’s event will mark his third appearance there, giving him another opportunity to perform in front of a London crowd while beginning life with a new promoter.

The signing also represents another step in Zuffa Boxing’s expansion. After entering professional boxing under the leadership of Dana White and Nick Khan, the company has continued adding recognizable names, and Fisher becomes one of its most prominent British heavyweights.

An opponent has yet to be confirmed for the September 26 main event, with additional bouts expected to be announced as the card takes shape.

For Fisher, the move offers more than a change of promoter. It places him at the front of a growing platform and gives him the chance to rebuild his standing in the heavyweight division with a successful debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

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Oleksandr Usyk Has Left the Sport of Boxing, Says Hall of Famer

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"Oleksandr Usyk 'Has Left the Sport of Boxing', Says Hall of Famer"

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his three heavyweight world titles but will not retire, promising at least one more professional outing before he hangs up the gloves, but in the eyes of one Hall of Famer, the Ukrainian has already ‘left the sport’.

Usyk struggled to overcome Rico Verhoeven back in Maywith a late and controversial stoppage sparing his blushes and denying boxing of one of it’s greatest ever upsets, leading to many saying that the ability of the 39-year-old fan-favourite has perhaps declined.

Following the fight, Usyk decided to vacate his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight marbles, with Murat Gassiev and Agit Kabayel being elevated to full world champions, whilst Frank Sanchez is expected to face either Moses Itauma or Bakhodir Jalolov for the vacant IBF strap.

Speaking on the Inside The Ring showformer two-division world champion and Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Tim Bradley said he believes Usyk has moved beyond the “sport” of boxing and into the “business” of boxing by choosing to relinquish his titles.

“I think that the Rico Verhoeven fight was an eye-opener for him to be honest with you. He struggled with him right, but then he was able to pull it off at the end.

“Relinquishing the titles, for me, you see the white smoke. He is done. He has left the sport of boxing, he is going to fight [again] but he has left the sport of boxing, he is in the business of boxing now.”

Usyk is currently being linked to a showdown with Deontay Wilder for what would presumably be his career finalealthough it remains to be seen whether a solid performance next time out could convince him to postpone his planned retirement.

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Exclusive Insights: Moses Itaumas Frightening Sparring Sessions with Tyson Fury Revealed

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"Exclusive Insights: Moses Itauma's 'Frightening' Sparring Sessions with Tyson Fury Revealed"

Tipped for the top, Moses Itauma is already being compared to some of Britain’s best heavyweights, and now details regarding his sparring sessions with two-time world champion Tyson Fury have been revealed.

Whilst yet to defeat an elite heavyweight or claim world honours, many British fight fans believe that 21-year-old Moses Itauma is the United Kingdom’s standout heavyweight and that a long, dominant reign is around the corner for the Kent-based sensation.

Next month, Itauma will hope to tee up a world title bid by scoring a career-best win over Filip Hrgovicwell-poised to challenge for all four of the heavyweight marbles and in the privileged position to select his own preferred route to the throne.

It is not only the fans who are appreciative of Itauma’s talent, with boxing manager Spencer Brown telling Playbook Boxing that Tyson Fury recognised the skill of the youngster after their ‘frightening’ sparring sessions in 2024.

“Him and Tyson, when they were in camp together, when Tyson was fighting [Oleksandr] Usyk, they had a great bond and him and Tyson sat and talked about boxing and what he has to do, what he hasn’t. He gave him all of the experience in the world.”

“It [the sparring] was unbelievable, it was frightening but it was great. They bumped each other and they just went at it. I think at one stage Moses went to get out of the ring and Tyson said ‘nah, we have only done six, we are going to eight now,’ and he went ‘oh, alright’ and they went at it again.

“With Tyson, he just wants to help people. He can see what this kid is, you have only got to ask Tyson, he knows what this kid is and anybody in boxing knows what this kid is.”

At that stage, Fury was the reigning WBC heavyweight champion and heading into an undisputed showdown with Usyk.

As for Itauma, his clash with Hrgovic takes place at the O2 Arena on Saturday, August 29as the youngster seeks yet another authoritative display that once again captures the attention of the boxing universe.

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