Reader’s Question:
I’ve heard that Naoya Inoue’s next match may change to face WBA No. 2, Cardenas. I’m curious why the unification match with Akhmadaliev isn’t happening. Akhmadaliev is the interim champion of the WBA and holds the right to challenge, so I want to understand why negotiations are not progressing. Is there a reason why Inoue’s side doesn’t want to
fight Akhmadaliev in May? Since Akhmadaliev fought in December last year, I believe there shouldn’t be any scheduling issues for May. It seems there are plans for a match in Japan in September, but I’m worried that Akhmadaliev might fight another opponent before that, and if he loses or gets injured, the match with Inoue might not happen.
About the Match Situation Between Inoue and Akhmadaliev
Recently, I’ve seen news suggesting that Naoya Inoue’s next match may change to facing WBA No. 2, Cardenas. To be honest, I’m a bit concerned about why the unification match with Akhmadaliev isn’t coming to fruition. Akhmadaliev is the interim champion of the WBA and has a legitimate claim to challenge, so there might be some background reasons for the stalled negotiations. I love boxing, and I always look forward to Inoue’s matches. His fights are pure entertainment, and I get excited every time I watch him. Especially when it’s a match in Las Vegas, the atmosphere with the audience is incredibly electrifying, so it’s natural to be curious about why the fight with Akhmadaliev isn’t happening.
The Popularity of Mexican Fighters and Challenges in Drawing Crowds
From the comments I’ve seen, it’s pointed out that the popularity of boxing in America heavily relies on Mexican fighters, which makes perfect sense. If Inoue is to fight in Las Vegas, it would be ideal to face a well-known Mexican-American fighter. After all, having popular fighters in the ring is crucial for attracting an audience. When I previously attended a boxing match, I felt that the audience’s reactions vary greatly depending on the fighters’ popularity. When a well-known fighter steps into the ring, the atmosphere in the venue elevates immediately. Conversely, matches between lesser-known fighters tend to lack that excitement.
Akhmadaliev’s Recognition and Drawing Power
The fact that a fighter like Akhmadaliev, who hails from Central Asia, has low visibility in America may also contribute to the situation. In reality, becoming as popular as Gennadiy Golovkin requires significant time and effort, and in that regard, Akhmadaliev may still be in the early stages of his journey. As fans, we sincerely hope for a match between Inoue and Akhmadaliev, but it’s a bit frustrating that it might not happen due to promotional reasons. There’s also a concern that if Akhmadaliev fights another opponent and loses, the chance of a matchup with Inoue could slip away.
Your Boxing Watching Experience
Every time I watch a boxing match, I feel an exhilarating energy, but I also reflect on the realities the fighters face. If you have any memorable experiences from watching boxing or cherished memories with your favorite fighters, please share them in the comments! I’m looking forward to how the upcoming matches will unfold and am eager to hear your thoughts.
