Naoya Inoue

The Monster — Japan's pound-for-pound number one and the most feared puncher in the lighter weight classes.

Naoya Inoue was born in Zama, Kanagawa, Japan in 1993. His father Shingo Inoue — a former amateur boxer — trained him throughout his career. He won his first world title at light flyweight in 2014 aged 20. He became one of the most discussed pound-for-pound fighters in the world by 2019 when he competed in the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament — winning the Ali Trophy by stopping three opponents including the dangerous Nonito Donaire in a Fight of the Year performance. He won the undisputed super bantamweight championship in 2023, defeating Stephen Fulton. His combination of speed, power — exceptional for his weight class — and technical precision makes him the most complete fighter in boxing below the lightweight limit. He is Japan's most celebrated boxer since Masahiko Harada. His fights generate sell-out crowds in Japan and increasing international attention. Multiple boxing analysts consider him the finest pound-for-pound boxer currently competing.

Counter-puncher with devastating knockout power

One of greatest Japanese boxers, undisputed champion in multiple divisions

• Undisputed Super Bantamweight Champion (2023)
• WBC/WBA/IBF Bantamweight Champion
• WBC/WBA Light Flyweight Champion
• Ring Magazine Fighter of Year 2x
• Pound-for-pound #1 multiple rankings