Timothy Bradley Names the "Probably Only" Boxer Who Can Test Inoue

Former world champion and current boxing analyst Timothy Bradley has named the fighter he believes is truly capable of testing the undisputed super bantamweight king, Naoya Inoue.

“He beat the brakes off Picasso. This Inoue goes out there and just plays with his opponents. That’s how good he is. That’s how great he is. Inoue goes out and looks like he’s practicing new dance moves. That’s what he’s doing. Every time he steps into that ring, he’s working on new moves.

It’s too easy for him. He gets bored in there. Real pros know—those who are actually the best. They understand. For him, it’s effortless. You only allow the opponent to do what you want them to do in the game. He’s just trying to entertain himself.

At the same time—name me another fighter who can do all this so easily, beautifully, and spectacularly? Please, tell me. I’ll say: Terence Crawford does the same. Yes, Crawford does the same thing. Competition is nothing to him. Competition is nothing to Inoue.

I’m looking for someone who can actually challenge him. Everyone keeps mentioning Jesse Rodriguez. Bam, get your ass up to super bantamweight and see this monster. Come on, move up. It’s possible that Bam is the only one who can truly test Inoue.

Come and see this monster. If you go up against Inoue... It will be the fight of your life, you have the skills, Bam. You have the defense, the footwork, all of that. But I’m telling you—Inoue never gives up. There’s a real beast inside him. He has the technique. And you might be the only one who can test him at super bantamweight,” Bradley said.

Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) won four consecutive fights in 2025—securing two stoppages and two victories by decision.