Murodjon Akhmadaliev sees weaknesses in undisputed super bantamweight champ Naoya Inoue.
Former IBF world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 knockouts) is convinced that the undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue (30-0, 27 knockouts) is no longer as unassailable at the 122-pound limit as he is in the lower weight classes. Akhmadaliev refers to the knockdowns that Inoue recently suffered against Luis Nery and Ramon Cardenas – even though the Japanese fighter won both fights early in the end.
“I can hurt anyone with my punches. I believe in my power and I can call on it. Inoue is no exception,” explained Akhmadaliev in an interview with The Ring Magazine. “My job is to beat him and I’m going to do everything I can to do that. I have the complete package to compete at the highest level in all areas.”
The Uzbek is convinced that the ring will reveal the truth: “Inoue was unassailable in the lower weight classes, but you saw against Nery and Cardenas that he has to deal with tougher and bigger guys at super-bantamweight. That’s what gives him problems. 122 pounds is my weight class.”
The eagerly awaited showdown between Akhmadaliev and Inoue will take place on September 14 at the IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan. It is the Uzbek’s big chance to return to the top. He lost his IBF title over two years ago to Marlon Tapales by split decision – a defeat he now wants to erase for good with a triumph over the “Monster” of Japan.