Inoue focuses on Goodman, and responds to Akhmadaliev’s callout

Japanese pound-for-pound superstar and undisputed champion Naoya Inoue has addressed the challenge posed by Uzbek boxer Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the interim WBA champion. Inoue made his stance clear, prioritizing his upcoming fight with Australian contender Sam Goodman over a potential bout with Akhmadaliev.

“Why should I avoid someone who lost to Tapales? There’s no need for that. If you want to fight, keep winning and wait! I’m focused on the fight with Goodman right now,” Inoue stated in response to Akhmadaliyev’s calls for a showdown.

Akhmadaliev, 30 years old, recently secured the WBA Interim belt after a dominant performance against Mexico's Ricardo Espinoza Franco, achieving a knockout in the third round.

Meanwhile, Inoue, 31 years old, is gearing up for his January bout against Sam Goodman, an undefeated Australian challenger. The fight will serve as a mandatory defense of Inoue’s titles, after which he must decide on his next opponent. Per WBA regulations, Inoue has 100 days after his fight with Goodman to negotiate a bout with Akhmadaliev.