A highly anticipated boxing event is on the horizon, as the undisputed junior featherweight championship between Naoya Inoue and Murodjon Akhmadaliev has received its official venue and date. This pivotal match, alongside two other significant title contests, is set to electrify audiences on September 14 at the modern IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan. The confirmation comes from Ohashi Promotions, following earlier reports of the fight's agreement, promising a night of high-stakes professional boxing.
The main event features Yokohama’s Naoya Inoue, holding an impressive professional record of 30 wins and 27 knockouts. This contest will be his fifth defense of the fully unified 122-pound championship, and it represents another challenge in his quest to dominate the sport. Inoue, a four-division world champion and a consistent presence in pound-for-pound rankings, is known for his aggressive style and devastating power. His most recent outing saw him overcome a knockdown to stop Ramon Cardenas in the eighth round of a thrilling encounter in Las Vegas on May 4th. This upcoming fight marks his third appearance in the ring this year, having previously secured a fourth-round knockout against Ye Joon Kim in Tokyo in January.
Facing Inoue is Murodjon Akhmadaliev from Uzbekistan, who holds a record of 13 wins, one loss, and 10 knockouts. Akhmadaliev, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, has consistently pursued this championship opportunity. He secured his mandatory challenger status after a decisive knockout victory over Kevin Gonzalez in December 2023. Despite the WBA twice ordering the fight, concessions were made allowing Inoue to face other opponents. Akhmadaliev, however, made the most of an interim title opportunity, impressively defeating Ricardo Espinoza. His persistent calls for a shot at the unified title have finally materialized, setting the stage for a compelling showdown.
The fight card also includes other exciting bouts. Yoshiki Takei, a familiar face on Inoue's undercards, will defend his WBO 118lbs title for the third time against mandatory challenger Christian Medina. Takei boasts a record of 11 wins and 9 knockouts, recently securing a first-round knockout against Yuttapong Tongdoe. Medina, with 15 wins in his last 16 fights, is a formidable opponent. Additionally, an all-Japanese strawweight title clash between Yuni Takada and Ryusei Matsumoto is scheduled for the WBA regular belt, further enriching the event.
The long-awaited clash between Inoue and Akhmadaliev underscores the intensity and strategic maneuvering within professional boxing. Both fighters have been highly active in 2025, with Inoue aiming for four fights this year. Akhmadaliev also took a tune-up fight, stopping Luis Castillo in May, ensuring he is in prime condition for this career-defining opportunity. The stage is now set for a memorable night in Nagoya, where these elite athletes will battle for supremacy and solidify their places in boxing history.