Promoter Eddie Hearn says the clash between undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and Murodjon Akhmadaliev is a \u201c50-50\u201d one for this Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the IG Arena, Nagoya, Japan.<\/p>\n
Hearn promoters WBA interim 122-lb champion Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 KOs), and feels that the reason this fight is happening is the pressure that he\u2019s put on Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs) to take this fight. He\u2019s been at it for close to two years, calling for \u2018Monster\u2019 to take the fight. Now, he\u2019s finally gotten his wish.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Viewership Challenge<\/p>\n
Inoue will be defending his four IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO 122-lb titles in what could be the toughest fight of his career. Up to now, the hardest fight was his first bout against Nonito Donaire on November 7, 2019. That was a 36-year-old version of Donaire that Inoue fought.<\/p>\n
The Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev event starts at 4:00 AM ET \/ 1:00 AM PT, live on FIGHT SPORTS MAX this Sunday, September 14, 2025.<\/p>\n
The reason behind Inoue-Akhmadaliev being scheduled for this Sunday is to avoid conflicting with the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford event this Saturday, September 13. By scheduling Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev on Sunday, it maximizes viewership by avoiding competing with Saturday\u2019s event.<\/p>\n
\u201cInoue against MJ is one of the best fights in boxing. I have to respect Inoue for taking it because the people around him didn\u2019t want to take that fight,\u201d said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn to Ring Magazine.<\/p>\n
Hearn is going a little overboard with his praise of the Inoue vs. MJ fight. It\u2019s a good one, but it\u2019s not one that many fans will see in the U.S due to the absence of a major broadcast network showing it. Also, the early 4:00 AM ET start time of the event will hurt viewership.<\/p>\n
Hearn\u2019s \u201c50\/50\u201d Stance<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like I goaded them enough to take it. I\u2019m very pleased they took it. I see it as a 50\/50 fight. The two best fighters in the division, the best fight in the division. We\u2019re looking forward to going to Japan in September for that fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
He\u2019s a good fighter, but he\u2019s no \u2018Monster,’\u201d said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum to Boxing Scene, talking about Akhmadaliev not being on the level of Inoue.<\/p>\n
Dan Ambrose has been a leading voice at Boxing News 24 for years, known for his no-nonsense takes on the sport. Love him or hate him, Dan has built a strong following thanks to his outspoken analysis, direct opinions, and in-depth coverage of the global boxing scene.<\/p>\n
His articles often spark debate among fans, as he isn\u2019t afraid to challenge popular narratives or question fighters\u2019 performances. Alongside his opinion pieces, Dan provides fight news, previews, and post-fight breakdowns that give readers both detail and perspective.<\/p>\n