Muradjon Akhmadaliev Challenges Inoue to a Fight

On December 14, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Muradjon Akhmadaliev (13-1, 10 KOs) claimed the interim WBA super bantamweight title with a third-round TKO victory over Ricardo Espinoza Franco (30-5, 25 KOs). Following the fight, the Uzbek boxer issued a direct challenge to the undisputed champion of the division, Naoya Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs).

“I’m ready to face Inoue anytime. Why doesn’t he want to fight me? That’s the question. Inoue, why are you avoiding this fight? I’m always ready.

Boxing has clear rules—a champion must defend his title. When I was champion, I defended my belt. Why don’t you do the same? Explain it to me. If you don’t want to fight, vacate the title. There’s no other way. I’m the best in this division, and I want to fight the strongest,” declared Akhmadaliev.

Akhmadaliev’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn, echoed his fighter’s sentiments, boldly predicting victory for the Uzbek and even claiming he would wager his house on it.

“The WBA mandated this fight twice. The first time, they paid for an exception to avoid Muradjon. The second time, the fight was officially ordered, and they had to face him. But once again, they found a way to avoid it.

Naoya Inoue is a P4P legend. We deeply respect him; he’s an incredible fighter. But there’s one thing he doesn’t have—Uzbek power. Let me tell you this, and mark my words: Akhmadaliev will beat Inoue. He has all the necessary skills and abilities. We’re ready to take this fight even in Japan.

This fight was supposed to happen for the undisputed championship, but we lost on the judges’ decision [in a previous bout against Fulton], which we believed was undeserved.

Some people say, ‘Naoya fears no one.’ Maybe Inoue himself doesn’t fear anyone, but his team certainly does because everyone in the boxing world knows how strong Akhmadaliev is.

Let the best fight the best. This is the only real fight in the division, one of the best matchups possible in the sport today.

I’m willing to bet Akhmadaliev beats Inoue. I’ll put my house on it. But I’m confident they’ll never agree to fight him. After the Goodman fight, Inoue must either vacate the belt or face Akhmadaliev. And I bet they’ll avoid the fight. If they do, don’t call him the best P4P fighter, because Akhmadaliev will beat him,” said Hearn.