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Naoya Inoue Next Fight Plans Revealed Following Ye Joon Kim Win

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend | By Ricky Carroll | Last updated Jan 24, 2025 10:56 AM ET

Undisputed super bantamweight king Naoya Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) successfully returned to action, stopping Ye Joon Kim (21-3-2, 13 KOs) with a thumping right hand in round number four. Following the successful defence of his undisputed crown, attention quickly turned to what would be next for the fearsome Japanese fighter, and “The Monster” spoke immediately after the fight about his future plans.

Naoya Inoue Reveals Next Fight Plans After Ye Joon Kim Victory

Inoue Eyes Major Fights in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia

Inoue successfully retained his world titles following a routine win over Kim in Tokyo. Sam Goodman was supposed to be the opponent, but after suffering two cuts to his eye in sparring, he was replaced by Kim.

Rumours circle often who will be next for Inoue, and immediately after the fight, the Japanese star said: “I am so happy to see all the people around the world watching me.”

He added: “I am planning to have a fight in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia this year.”

Possible Opponents

With Inoue confirming his next two fight locations for 2025, attention now turns to his likely opponents. WBC mandatory challenger Alan Picasso (31-0-1, 17 KOs) is expected to be the opponent for Inoue in Las Vegas this spring. The Mexican fighter is known for his aggression and high punch volume. Despite Picasso’s bravery, Inoue will likely feel confident in adding a Picasso to his ever-expanding collection of victories.

Inoue recently became a Riyadh Season ambassador, and there has been speculation since regarding whether we will see “The Monster” on a Riyadh Season card. It looks like 2025 will be the year. Inoue has revealed Saudi Arabia is in his 2025 plans – and could we see a Japanese super fight with Junto Nakatani? Inoue-Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs) in Japan would be a huge event in Japan, but with “The Monster” confirming he will fight in Saudi, could we see it land on a Riyadh Season card?

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