Akhmadaliev on Fight with Inoue: “I’ll Be in the Best Shape of My Career”

Interim WBA Super Bantamweight titleholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight against undisputed champion Naoya Inoue in the same division.

“Finally, I get the chance to face Inoue. I’ve worked very hard to be in this position, and on fight night I will show the best version of myself. I feel I’ll be in the best shape of my entire career.

I can hurt anyone with my punches, I believe in my power, and I know I can use it. He’s no exception. My task is to beat him, and I’ll do everything possible to achieve that. I have the full arsenal to compete at the highest level in every aspect.

I’ll prove to the world that I deserve to be here and that I’m the best. He’s got a complete skill set, but so do I. The ring will show everything. It never lies.

In the lower weight classes, he was untouchable, but I believe his problems against Nery and Cardenas are tied to 122 pounds (55.3 kg). Here he’s fighting bigger, stronger opponents, and that creates difficulties. He’s facing more challenges, while for me this weight is natural.

If either of us lands clean, a knockout can happen. If we go into an open exchange, then a knockout is guaranteed.

They wanted this fight in Japan, not anywhere else. But the ring is the same everywhere — the only thing is to make sure politics don’t complicate matters on fight night.

Inoue has proven why he’s one of the best. His accomplishments are well deserved, and I have nothing but respect for him. But this is boxing, and one punch can change everything at any moment.

That’s why we love this sport. You won’t hear big promises from me, but I know what I need to do on fight night. And I believe I can do everything to beat him,” said Akhmadaliev.

The fight between Naoya Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs) and Murodjon Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 KOs) will take place on September 14 at the AG Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

Photo: Boxing News