Promoter Bob Arum backs more Naoya Inoue fights in Japan
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum backs Naoya Inoue to stage more fights in his native Japan than in the United States.
Visit Pacquiao Mansion for more boxing news and updates.
PROMOTER ARUM WELCOMES MORE INOUE FIGHTS IN JAPAN
Arum backs Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) in his decision to stage his title fights in Japan instead of traveling thousands of miles to the US.
The Top Rank promoter cited Japan as a “well-to-do-country,” justifying Inoue’s resolve to stay home.
“This is a different actor – the biggest boxing star (Inoue) in a well-to-do-country (Japan),” Arum told BoxingScene.
“There’s nobody even close in those divisions (near Inoue’s weight class) who could make a fight bigger than what he can do in Japan,” he said.
INOUE DIFFERENT THAN PACQUIAO, FURY
Arum explained that Inoue is fighting in a major boxing market in Japan, which makes him different than Manny Pacquiao or Tyson Fury.
“It used to be that coming here to the US was the best way to make the biggest money – it worked for Manny (Pacquiao) and (heavyweight champion Tyson) Fury,” the promoter said.
“This is different than Manny coming from the Philippines at a time where he couldn’t have fought anywhere and made more than $50,000,” he added.
Inoue returns to the ring to defend his titles against Luis Nery (35-1, 27 KOs) at the Tokyo Dome on May 6.
PORTER COMMENTS ON INOUE ‘OLD-SCHOOL,’ SAYS ARUM
Arum’s statements came after former professional boxer-turned-commentator Shawn Porter urged Inoue to fight in the US more.
Porter claimed Inoue’s star will further rise if he headlines his title fights in Las Vegas.
However, Arum rebuffed Porter on his claim.
“Shawn’s a good guy, but what he’s taking about (coming to America), that’s old-school,” the Top Rank leader said.
Inoue dared possible challengers to his undisputed junior featherweight title to “come to Japan” “if you want to see the game.”
“If there is something better than what is available in the Japanese market in America, I would be happy to go,” he added.
Arum doesn’t mind not seeing Inoue personally in the US and for the Japanese superstar saying in Tokyo.
“Why come here (US) and take a step back when there’s such a tremendous market for you in Japan?” Arum asked.
You may also like
Canelo beats Munguia by unanimous decision May 6, 2024
