Naoya Inoue is dazzling. His velocity, his energy, his composure — he makes world champions look odd. ESPN even declared in July 2023: “Naoya Inoue isn’t merely one of the best boxer on the earth — he’s an all-time nice nonetheless including chapters to his legendary profession.”
However historical past doesn’t bend to focus on reels or pound-for-pound polls. It bends to the reality. And the reality is that Inoue’s best achievements thus far are a win in opposition to Nonito Donaire — a past-prime legend already crushed decisively earlier than Inoue obtained to him — and an excellent win over Stephen Fulton, a prime fighter however not the form of elite identify that defines eras. These victories are spectacular. They don’t seem to be but legendary.
The Broner Warning
Boxing has seen this film earlier than. In 2013, Sports activities Illustrated ran a headline that learn: “Adrien Broner is boxing’s subsequent large factor.” The media, promoters, and followers anointed Broner because the inheritor to Mayweather, the game’s savior, the way forward for boxing.
Then Marcos Maidana got here alongside. One night time was all it took for Broner’s aura to break down. The hype was actual till it wasn’t.
That’s the warning for Inoue. Sure, he passes the attention take a look at higher than Broner ever did. Sure, he has self-discipline and dedication that Broner lacked. However till he faces the fighter who can actually threaten his aura, we gained’t know if the hype is actual — or if historical past will file him alongside those that regarded unbeatable till they weren’t.
The Shakur Puzzle
For Inoue, that risk has a reputation: Shakur Stevenson.
Shakur is the other of everybody Inoue has fought. He doesn’t give openings. He doesn’t unravel underneath strain. He makes punchers miss, then makes them doubt themselves. He’s tall, lengthy, defensive, affected person — the proper antidote to Inoue’s aggression and timing.
If Inoue can remedy that puzzle, then sure, he turns into what ESPN has already referred to as him: an all-time nice. However till then, he has not arrived.
The Downside With “He’s Executed Sufficient”
Some followers and writers already argue that Inoue doesn’t want 135, that he’s already achieved greatness. However that’s not confidence in Inoue. That’s safety. It’s low-key proof they suppose he’ll lose to Shakur and wish to cease historical past earlier than the reality comes out.
It’s like asking a referee to blow the whistle at halftime as a result of your group is forward. You don’t wish to play the second half. However greatness lives within the second half.
The Customary of Legends
Michael Jordan didn’t cease as soon as he was an All-Star. He didn’t accept “ok.” He wished the Pistons. He wished the Celtics. He wished the Lakers. He wished to climb the mountain till there was nothing left to show.
In boxing, greatness calls for the identical. Pacquiao didn’t cease at flyweight. Mayweather didn’t cease at tremendous featherweight.
Terence Crawford didn’t cease as soon as he turned undisputed at 140. He didn’t declare himself full. He moved up, cleaned out welterweight, and when the most important problem of all appeared — Canelo at 168 — he jumped two divisions and took it. Crawford didn’t accept “ok.” He climbed till there was nothing left, till each doubt was silenced.
That’s the usual. That’s how legends are made.
Naoya Inoue should comply with the identical path. If he actually believes in his greatness, he needs to be desperate to face Shakur Stevenson at 135.
Verdict: Nice, However Not But Arrived
Naoya Inoue is already nice. No one denies it. He has stats, abilities, dominance, and aura. However historical past won’t enshrine him as a legend till he climbs to light-weight and faces the puzzle ready for him there.
Legends have followers who say: “Who’s subsequent?”
Good fighters have followers who say, “That’s sufficient.”
Greatness conjures up confidence.
“Adequate” conjures up safety.
And so, the selection is yours.
For those who consider your fighter has reached his ceiling and also you’re content material to observe him accumulate wins at his present weight till he retires fortunately ever after, that’s respectable: take the blue tablet.
If, then again, you haven’t any doubt in his potential to beat 135, then take the pink tablet — and see how deep he can go down Shakur’s rabbit gap.
Boxing Information 24 » Blue Tablet or Pink Tablet: The Way forward for Naoya Inoue
Final Up to date on 09/26/2025