NEWS: NAOYA INOUE WILL LOOK TO UNIFY AT 122 POUNDS AFTER PAUL BUTLER

By: Jay Calderon

Undefeated Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue could be on the verge of becoming the first man in his nation's history to unify a division in the sport of boxing. On Tuesday, in the wee hours of the morning here in America, Inoue will battle fellow titlist Paul Butler in a total unification bout at 118 pounds.

Speaking with BoxingScene.com, Inoue expressed that he has long dreamed of being the first to unify a weight class for his country, and this week's contest provides just that opportunity. However, Inoue doesn't plan on stopping there.

According to the hard-hitting dynamo, 23-0 with 20 KOs as a professional, he fully intends to duplicate his Bantamweight success when he eventually rises to 122 pounds.

"I'm happy that I have this opportunity to become undisputed champion at Bantamweight," Inoue told BoxingScene. "Once I am successful, I aim to do the same at (Jr. Featherweight)."

Inoue, already a two division champion, has certainly impressed the boxing world with his professional run thus far. Still, if he is able to continue making the same history in a very talented Jr. Featherweight class, he would really start stamping his name into the history books.

Aside from some solid veterans, and some upcoming stars such as Ra'eese Aleem, 122 pounds is currently lead by the two-headed monster in the form of titlists Stephen Fulton and Murodjon "MJ" Akhmadaliev. Both undefeated, both talented, both would likely be the toughest overall tests for Inoue in his career thus far.

While either fight would seem on paper to be a magnificent one, the contest that perhaps has the most in it would be with the American Fulton. Recently, Fulton has already begun trash-talking the reserved Inoue and has said if Naoya is "The Monster", he intends to be the monster hunter.

The clash of styles could lead to a very entertaining fight. Inoue is a come-forward, power puncher, but he has wrinkles and dimensions to his game most sluggers lack. Meanwhile, Fulton is a crafty, fast-handed boxer, but has some real dog in him, and is willing to stand and trade when needed.

Provided Inoue is victorious, 122 pounds could get very interesting in 2023.

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