Born on April 10, 1993, in Zama, Kanagawa, Japan, Naoya Inoue is an undefeated professional boxer. His prowess in the ring is exemplified by his nickname, "The Monster," a moniker that speaks to his formidable punching power and relentless style.
Inoue's boxing career is adorned with numerous achievements, including holding multiple world championships across four weight classes. In particular, he has attained undisputed champion status in two weight divisions during the four-belt era, a feat unprecedented before his time. His dominance extends back to 2014 when he first clinched the WBC light flyweight title, followed by a reign as the WBO junior bantamweight champion from 2014 to 2018. However, Inoue's crowning moment arrived when he ascended to undisputed champion status at bantamweight from 2019 to 2023, making history as the first boxer to achieve this milestone in the modern era of multiple belts. His conquest continued at super bantamweight, where he unified all four major titles and the Ring magazine belt since 2023.
Naoya Inoue's fights outside Japan
Naoya Inoue has only fought 4 professional bouts outside of Japan. Let’s take a deeper look into these fights:
Naoya Inoue vs. Antonio Nieves - California, U.S.
Naoya Inoue’s first fight overseas was against Antonio Nieves. This fight took place on September 9, 2017, at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Inoue won this bout as Nieves’ corner threw in the towel in the 6th round.
Naoya Inoue vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez - Glasgow, Scotland
Noaya Inoue’s second international outing took place against Emmanuel Rodriguez in Scotland. This fight took place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland on May 18, 2019. Inoue emerged victorious in the bout via a 2nd round KO.
Naoya Inoue vs. Jason Moloney - Nevada, U.S.
On October 31, 2020, at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Paradise, Nevada, USA, Naoya Inoue faced off against Jason Moloney. With a display of skill and power, Inoue secured victory in the seventh round, delivering a knockout punch at 2 minutes and 59 seconds. This win allowed Inoue to retain his WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles.
Naoya Inoue vs. Michael Dasmariñas - Nevada, U.S.
On June 19, 2021, at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in Paradise, Nevada, USA, Naoya Inoue squared off against Michael Dasmariñas. Inoue delivered a devastating knockout in the third round at 2 minutes and 45 seconds to win the fight. This victory allowed Inoue to retain his WBA (Super), IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles. As of May 2024, this was the last fight Inoue had fought outside of Japan.
Does Naoya Inoue know English?
Naoya Inoue primarily communicates in his native language, Japanese. However, like many athletes, he might have some basic knowledge of English for international events and promotional interactions.
Has Inoue fought in America?
Yes, Naoya Inoue has fought thrice in the United States. Back in June 2021, he faced Michael Dasmarinas in Las Vegas and secured a third-round knockout victory. Prior to that, Inoue also stopped Jason Moloney in a fight held in Vegas. In 2017, he fought against Antonio Nieves in California.
Also Read: What Ethnicity is Naoya Inoue?
*Last updated on January 22, 2025.
FAQs on Naoya Inoue fighting outside Japan
A. Naoya Inoue has fought 4 times outside of Japan.
A. Naoya Inoue has fought thrice in the United States and once in Scotland.
A. Naoya Inoue is 31 years old.
A. Naoya Inoue’s next fight is against Ye Joon Kim.
A. Although Naoya Inoue has a basic understanding of the English language, he primarily communicates in Japanese.
