The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation as Murodjon Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 KOs) delivers a fiery message to undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs) ahead of their highly awaited title fight scheduled for September 14, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome. Akhmadaliev, the former unified IBF/WBA champion, didn’t hold back in his latest statement, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive showdown.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for two years,” Akhmadaliev declared during a press conference in Indio, California, where he currently trains. “Inoue is a legend, but I’m here to prove I’m better, smarter, and stronger than anyone he’s ever faced. He’s avoided me long enough. On September 14, I’ll show the world who the real champion is!” The Uzbek southpaw’s words echo a sentiment he’s expressed before, notably in a 2023 post on X where he called out Inoue, claiming superiority over the Japanese superstar’s past opponents.
Akhmadaliev’s confidence stems from his recent dominant performance against Luis Castillo on May 31, 2025, in Guadalajara, Mexico. In that tune-up fight, he stopped Castillo in the eighth round, dropping him in the fifth and sixth rounds before the Mexican’s trainer threw in the towel. The victory secured his mandatory shot at Inoue’s Ring, IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO 122-pound titles. Akhmadaliev’s pressure-heavy style and brilliant footwork, which he showcased against Castillo, are expected to be key factors in the upcoming bout.
Inoue, known as “The Monster,” has been a dominant force in boxing, holding an undefeated record and securing titles across four weight classes. His most recent fight saw him survive a second-round knockdown against Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas on May 4, 2025, before rallying for an eighth-round stoppage. That fight marked Inoue’s first bout outside Japan since 2021 and further cemented his reputation as a must-see fighter. However, Akhmadaliev believes he can exploit Inoue’s vulnerabilities, particularly after seeing the champion hit the canvas twice in his career—both times from left hands, a potential advantage for the southpaw challenger.
The road to this fight hasn’t been smooth for Akhmadaliev. After losing his IBF/WBA titles to Marlon Tapales in a split decision in April 2023, he watched Inoue claim those belts from Tapales later that year. Since then, Akhmadaliev has been on a mission to reclaim his spot at the top, winning three consecutive fights, including the recent stoppage of Castillo. His determination has been evident in his consistent callouts of Inoue, with posts on X as early as December 2024 showing his frustration over Inoue allegedly avoiding the mandatory fight.
On the other hand, Inoue has faced criticism for delaying this matchup. Some fans and analysts, as noted in posts on X, believe Inoue has avoided Akhmadaliev despite the Uzbek being his mandatory challenger for some time. Inoue’s team, however, has maintained that the champion is ready for any challenge, and his performance against Cardenas—where he threw 752 punches alongside his opponent in a thrilling fight—demonstrates his willingness to brawl when necessary.
With the Tokyo Dome set to host this legacy-defining fight, both boxers have much at stake. For Inoue, a victory solidifies his status as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters, with potential plans to move up to featherweight and challenge WBA champion Nick Ball in December 2025 already in discussion. For Akhmadaliev, a win would not only crown him the new undisputed champion at 122 pounds but also mark a triumphant return to the top after his 2023 setback.
As the countdown to September 14 begins, Akhmadaliev’s brutal message has added fuel to the fire. Will “MJ” back up his words and dethrone “The Monster,” or will Inoue continue his reign of dominance? Boxing fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to find out.