Naoya Inoue can’t be denied in the debate for the best fighter on the planet, but who does he believe stands alongside him at the top?
The Japanese phenomenon became two-weight undisputed last year, conquering the super-bantamweight division in just two fights with wins over champions Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales.
With considerable knockout numbers for the smaller weight classes, it’s no wonder fans have become fascinated by Inoue.
Speaking on a recent Top Rank broadcast, the 31-year-old from Kanagawa said it was important for him to consider himself the best fighter in the world, but gave props, as he has done before, to Terence Crawford.
“For me, I think it’s important for me to recognise myself as the best, but the Crawford-Spence fight is something I have been very impressed with.”
Asked what he respects most in a fighter, Inoue said that it was a wide and balanced skillset.
“The overall. Power, speed, everything all around.”
For the second half of 2023 it was Inoue and Crawford vying for the top pound-for-pound spot on the lists of most fans and pundits. The American’s win over longtime rival and fellow champion Errol Spence saw him undisputed at welterweight, a feat he has previously achieved one division down.
With power, timing and exceptional finishing all delivered as well from the southpaw stance as orthodox, 36-year-old Crawford looks to continue legacy-building at super-welterweight this year.
Should he do so, he may retake top spot from Oleksandr Usyk in the eyes of many – recently crowned four-belt champ at heavyweight after doing the same at cruiser. Then, all eyes will turn to Inoue once more.
