On January 24, Naoya Inoue successfully defended his super bantamweight undisputed titles for the third time and defeated Ye Joon Kim via a fourth-round KO. The ‘Monster’ extended his undefeated career record to 29-0 and is looking out of options in 122.

However, Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn thinks that Inoue still hasn’t made a title defense of actual importance. Last year, Hearn criticized the 29-0 for avoiding his fighter Murodjon Akhmadaliev as the WBA mandatory challenger. Following Inoue’s win, Hearn went on a tirade against the undisputed super bantamweight champion and accused him of ducking MJ once again. However, this time Hearn’s threats met with a proper reply by Inoue, who is aiming to have a monumental 2025.

Eddie Hearn’s furious outburst

In a conversation with Boxing Social, the Matchroom honcho claimed that he is completely frustrated by Inoue ducking his fighter. He reminded everyone that WBA has ordered ‘Monster’ to fight MJ twice and on Monday will order him the third time. However, this time there will be an ultimatum.

“I’m glad someone’s asked me about Inoue. How many times do I have to tell you Naoya Inoue is straight ducking MJ Akhmadaliev. He’s been ordered to fight him twice, right? He’s had two gimme-fights instead of fighting Akhmadaliev… On Monday, the WBA will write to Naoya Inoue and they will say, ‘Enough is enough. You have to fight Akhmadaliev next or you will be stripped of your WBA world title. And you will no longer be undisputed,” declared Hearn issuing a threat to the 31-year-old.

However, the promoter believes that Inoue would rather vacate the title than face the WBA mandatory. He was so sure of it that he even advised the reporter to put his statement on record. “Watch this now, Inoue will vacate his WBA world title. No way, no way [will he fight Akhmadaliev]. Watch this now, you can play it back if I’m wrong! He will give up his right as undisputed champion rather than make a mandatory defense. Watch, watch,” asserted Hearn.

The Matchroom honcho then decided to play a spoilsport on Naoya Inoue’s plan on facing Alan Picasso, claiming that “who gives a f–k.” According to Hearn, a fight between Inoue and MJ is the best fight in 122, and a better fight than this “doesn’t exist. You are ducking the best fight in the division and I can’t understand it.” 

Before signing off, the promoter once again put it on record that “he will vacate the title.” However, it looks like Eddie Hearn might be wrong this time. As reports are floating around of Naoya Inoue planning a monstrous 2025 and a fight against MJ is on the card.

Naoya Inoue to rule 2025

According to boxing enthusiast and prominent ‘X’ insider B, the ‘Monster’ is planning to fight big this year. He has already fought his first fight and wants 3 more fights. “Plans are underway for a major event in Las Vegas around April, followed by a fight in Saudi Arabia in September,” reported B.

He further revealed that the potential opponents were Alan Picasso and MJ, which should calm Hearn down. As earlier rumors suggest, Inoue will most probably fight Picasso in Vegas in April, followed by his mandatory defense against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Riyadh.

Following the two defenses, “the team envisions a fight with Ball and then a return to super bantam.” A potential fight between Inoue and WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball has been in talks for a while now. It looks like the Japanese ‘Monster’ has decided to move up to featherweight for the fight.

According to reports, Inoue’s co-promoter Hideyuki Ohashi is also on board with the plan “because there’s no damage. He’s barely been hit,” against Ye Joon Kim.

Well, it looks like Hearn has got his answer and he must be happy. After chasing this fight for MJ for almost a year now, it looks like it will finally happen. If we are to believe Matchroom honcho, this fight is going to steal the show.

What do you think about Eddie Hearn’s statement? Do you think Naoya Inoue can fight 4 bouts in 2025? Let us know your thoughts down below.