Hall of Fame promoter and Top Rank CEO, Bob Arum, doesn’t think anyone will be beating the Japanese multi-weight champion, Naoya Inoue, anytime soon.
On July 25, Inoue stepped up in weight once more to challenge for Stephen Fulton’s unified super bantamweight world title.
He came away with an impressive eighth-round knockout and will now likely challenge Filipino Marlon Tapales for the undisputed title before the end of the year.
It would be a remarkable feat given he has already taken world honours in three divisions – undisputed bantam, super fly, and light fly – and is widely seen as one of the best active fighters on the planet.
Known for his timing, speed and incredible punching power, Inoue has also knocked out the likes of Paul Butler, Nonito Donaire, Jamie McDonnell and several more. His 25 bouts have lasted just 146 rounds with an 88% knockout ratio.
Arum’s remarkably long career dates back to 1966 when he promoted Muhammad Ali vs. George Chuvalo in Vancouver for his first fight. Since then he has seen countless world champions come and go and a whole host of massive punchers make their mark in the sport.
Speaking to Boxing News with all that experience in mind, he claims Inoue is unbeatable.
“I don’t think anybody beats Inoue. The Monster is The Monster and he’s The Monster for a reason.”
He then rated three of his current charges as three of the top punchers in the sport today.
“I’m really blessed to have pound-for-pound the three hardest punchers in boxing and that’s Inoue, [Artur Beterbiev] and Tyson Fury. My guys don’t mess around. They just come out to knock the hell out of the other guy.”
Inoue is likely to rest and recover before going again against Tapales, who shook hands on the bout after the Fulton victory.