Q&A from Readers:
I heard that Naoya Inoue’s next fight might change to face WBA No. 2, Cardenas. Why isn’t he fighting for unification against Akhmadaliev, especially since Akhmadaliev is the interim champion and holds the right to challenge? I’m curious about why there’s been no negotiation. Given that the fight is in Las Vegas, is it necessary to fight
a less-known opponent? Does Inoue’s camp have reasons for not wanting to face Akhmadaliev in May? Akhmadaliev fought in December last year, so I don’t see any issues with scheduling in May. It seems there are plans for a September matchup in Japan, but I’m worried that Akhmadaliev might fight someone else before that, and if he loses or gets injured, the match with Inoue might not happen.
Thoughts on Naoya Inoue’s Upcoming Fight
There are various rumors circulating about what will happen in Naoya Inoue’s next fight. When considering why a unification match with Akhmadaliev hasn’t materialized, several intriguing points arise. Firstly, considering the popularity of boxing in America, it’s clear that Mexican fighters play a significant role. I remember attending a fight in Las Vegas, where the atmosphere was electric, with many Mexican spectators. Before the match, I could hear people around me discussing the fighters, saying things like “What do you think of this fighter?” or “He’s definitely going to win,” which really made me feel the essence of American boxing culture. Now, it seems that the potential matchup with Cardenas might be largely driven by the need to attract a crowd. When Inoue fights, he needs an opponent who can captivate the Las Vegas audience, and Cardenas might fit that bill. This leads me to believe that commercial factors are playing a significant role in this decision. It’s puzzling why negotiations aren’t progressing with Akhmadaliev, despite his skills and the rights he holds. His Uzbek background might also impact his drawing power. I’ve discussed with friends how a fighter from Uzbekistan would perform in attracting an audience in Las Vegas, and it’s quite a challenge. In reality, compared to popular fighters in America like Lomachenko and Usyk, Akhmadaliev may fall short in terms of recognition. Considering that boxing is a sport that requires entertainment value, it’s understandable that Inoue’s opponent needs to have the ability to draw in fans. Personally, I get anxious about who my favorite fighters will face in their matches. The anticipation and excitement before a fight, along with the emotions after it concludes, are moments that can’t be replaced. I’m looking forward to Inoue’s next fight, but I also hope a matchup with Akhmadaliev will materialize. Do you enjoy watching boxing matches? Please let me know in the comments who your favorite fighters are!
