Undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue has fought his last five contests in his home country of Japan and is expected to do the same again in two months against Luis Nery, but he may also be poised to fight in a surprise country later this year.
Inoue has declared that he has five fights left as super-bantamweight, with the 122lb limit believed to be his optimal weight-class.
First up will likely be Nery, who is ranked as the number one contender with the WBC, but it is Australia’s Sam Goodman who is next in line, due to his position as mandatory challenger with the WBO, as well as top contender status with the IBF.
Shockingly, No Limit Boxing CEO Dan Rose has revealed that talks are underway with Top Rank and Bob Arum to stage Inoue-Goodman Down Under, as opposed to in Japan.
“This would be a huge coup for not only Australian boxing, but Australian sport. Inoue is a once-in-a-generation fighter and in my opinion, the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound.”
“When you look at his records, his world titles, all of the achievements – it’s phenomenal. It’s why the guy is packing out stadiums in Japan, why he has such a huge following globally and why whenever he takes a world title fight, it’s something the whole world tunes in for.
“The aura he has at the moment, the fighter you compare him to is Pacquiao, it doesn’t matter if you’re from the Philippines or not, if you’re a boxing fan you’re a Manny fan. Same with Inoue.”
Inoue would be hoping to avoid the controversy that Pacquiao received against Jeff Horn when they fought in Australia, if their fight was left in the hands of the judges.
Although, ‘The Monster’s’ focus remains on Luis Nery and their proposed May 6th fight date, rather than any plans for future bouts.