Home » Naoya Inoue not ‘chasing money,’ to stay at super bantamweight

Naoya Inoue not ‘chasing money,’ to stay at super bantamweight

Undisputed world super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 knockouts) assured fans that he will stay in the 122-pound division at least this year.

The 30-year-old Japanese superstar insisted that he would not move up in weight “just because the money is good.” Inoue remains comfortable at 122 lbs as he fights to “show my best self.”

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Naoya Inoue has shot down talk of him ever moving up to fight Gervonta Davis: “I always want to show the best Naoya Inoue. I wouldn't fight at super-featherweight just because the money is good. There are many fighters who have chased the money, but ended up not being able to…

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 14, 2024

“I wouldn’t decide to start fighting at featherweight or super featherweight just because the money is good,” Inoue told RingTV.com. “My move up to featherweight will depend on how my body feel next year.”

“Many fighters chased the money but did not perform well and quit. But there are weight divisions in boxing for a reason,” he added.

The fighter also known as “The Monster” confirmed he is fighting three fights this year. Inoue is scheduled to face Luis Nery in Tokyo on May 6,  before going back to the ring in September and December.

“I’m sure that these three fights will take place at Super Bantamweight,” the Japanese champion said.

Inoue clarified that he remains “motivated by fighting stronger opponents” in his division or other weight classes. But he will take his time first before he considers moving up in weight in 2025.