Naoya Inoue Defeats Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Points to Retain Undisputed Boxing Title

Naoya Inoue retained his status as the undisputed super-bantamweight champion with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Saturday night at the IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

The bout, expected to be one of Inoue’s toughest tests, instead showcased the gulf between “The Monster” and the rest of the division. Akhmadaliev, a patient and seasoned southpaw from Uzbekistan, had waited years for his shot—but found himself outgunned and outmaneuvered by a masterful Inoue.

This version of Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) was measured and merciless, blending precision with pressure. Gone were the flashes of reckless aggression seen in some of his recent outings. Instead, he lured Akhmadaliev (14-2, 11 KOs) into overcommitting, countering with lightning-fast combinations and clinical accuracy.

The momentum clearly shifted in the fifth round when Inoue landed a crushing combination punctuated by a vicious left hook. From there, he took full control. By the seventh, Inoue was gliding in and out of range, dictating the tempo with expert footwork and timing that bordered on perfection.

In round nine, Inoue unleashed a dazzling flurry of punches that left Akhmadaliev bloodied and desperate to survive. Though the Uzbek’s toughness was on full display—his chin and heart keeping him upright when many others would have folded—the damage continued to mount.

Akhmadaliev’s best—and only significant—moment came in the final seconds of the 12th round, when he landed a flush right hand that momentarily caught Inoue’s attention. It was a reminder that even the elite can be touched, but far from enough to change the outcome.

The judges scored the bout unanimously in Inoue’s favor, reflecting a comprehensive performance that was more showcase than struggle.

With this latest win, Inoue continues to make a strong case as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. It’s becoming increasingly clear: it will take someone truly special—not just talented—to dethrone him. For now, the Monster rules alone.