Naoya Inoue vs Murodjon Akhmadaliev Prediction
🔅 On September 14, the Japanese city of Nagoya will host a showdown for the undisputed super bantamweight world championship. The ring will see a clash between the current titleholder, Naoya Inoue, and former WBA and IBF champion in the same weight class, Murodjon Akhmadaliev. What can we expect from this upcoming battle? Check out the prediction from the Scores24 editorial team!
H2H Stats Fights and Previous Results
Naoya Inoue Team Overview
The undefeated 32-year-old champion Naoya Inoue heads into the September 14 fight with a flawless record of 30-0, with 27 of those victories coming by knockout, giving him a 90% knockout rate. Having started his career in lighter weight classes, Inoue has been competing successfully in the junior featherweight division for over two years, adjusting well to the heightened level of competition. However, concerns have arisen due to two knockdowns in his last four bouts, suggesting he might be more vulnerable in this division to the punches of larger and stronger opponents. Stylistically, Inoue boasts a well-honed and powerful punch, works the body effectively, maintains relentless pressure, and employs unconventional combinations.
Match Results: Naoya Inoue
Murodjon Akhmadaliev Team Overview
The 30-year-old Murodjon Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 KOs) could have faced Inoue earlier, but he lost his titles after a tense bout with Marlon Tapales. As a result, it was Tapales who went on to fight Inoue, suffering a knockout defeat in the tenth round while trailing significantly on points. Following his sole setback, Akhmadaliev secured three decisive victories. He has been tirelessly pursuing a fight with Inoue and has finally achieved it. Akhmadaliev is known for targeting his opponent's body. His strengths include physical power, a solid chin, and endurance, which enable him to maintain a high pace over 12 rounds.
Match Results: Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Latest news
Naoya Inoue
Inoue on the upcoming bout:
"I'm set to face Murodjon Akhmadaliev. I'm eagerly anticipating that day. When I step into the ring against formidable fighters, it allows me to showcase my best. It will reveal a potential within me that I wasn't even aware of. That's why at any moment in this fight, something unexpected could happen. Akhmadaliev is a fighter of that caliber."
Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Akhmadaliev on the upcoming fight:
"If you look at my professional career, I've only fought at home once. I've been to Mexico, New York, Puerto Rico, China, and faced many Americans in the United States. Traveling anywhere is not a problem for me. That's what great fighters do. You have to go to the champion and take the title from them. As for monsters, there are no monsters in boxing. I would never call myself that. I don't think it applies to my opponent either. We're all human."
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Undoubtedly, the reigning champion from Japan, fighting on home soil, enters the bout as the heavy favorite. However, it seems experts are underestimating the skills and power of Akhmadaliev. Murodjon's aggressive style could pose significant challenges for Inoue. Therefore, don't expect the champion to dominate. On the contrary, this fight promises to be competitive, with a high likelihood of going well into the later rounds.
