Finally, happening: Inoue to face Akhmadaliev on September 14 after years of perceived dodging and easier struggles

Promoter Eddie Hearn has announced today that the struggle between Naoya Inoue and Murodjon Akhmadaliev is scheduled for Sunday, September 14 in Japan. Two years have been waiting and it is a little late for many fans, who had given up. Inoue still needs to win his fight against Ramon Cardenas, but he is expected to be another of the many he has had.

Hearn is happy that his fighter, the former IBF and WBA champion of 122-LB, Akhmadaliev (13-1, 10 kos), will finish a shot at Fighing Inoue, 32, for his four titles in Super Bantamweight. Eddie has been pushing for the struggle to spend for years.

The long wait and the lukewarm reaction

The reaction to today’s Hearn’s announcement has not been huge on social media. The loss of Akhmadaliev against Tapales two years ago in 2023 has had a great interest that once was in this struggle.

If Inoue had struggled in 2022 when he was still unbeaten, the fight would have been huge. The Japanese star chose not. Therefore, the struggle is not so important. The fans are now more interested in Inoue up to 126 and take up Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Leo and Nick Ball.

The Avoiding Strategy

The 2016 Akhmadaliev 2016 Olympic medalist has been under the impression that Inoue has avoided it, which could be true. Inoue has a good thing in Japan, worshiped by the country, who collectively does not mind that he fights against the opposition less than stellar.

They think it’s great and don’t put their feet on the fire to press it to start fighting the elite competition. With the money Naoya is making struggles like Ye Joon Kim and Tj Doedy, why would I want to make risky struggles where I can lose?

This announcement could increase interest in Inoue’s struggle this Sunday night against Ramon Cardenas on May 4 in Las Vegas, as there has been no buzz in the United States for this struggle for obvious reasons. It looks like another soft opponent for “The Monster” Inoue (29-0, 26 KO) to eliminate a disappointing struggle in America.

Done, finally! 🤝

Uzbek power vs the monster ✍️

Better struggle in division 🇺🇿🔥🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/orljznufy

– Eddie Hearn (@eddiehearn) May 1 2025