The boxing world is abuzz with the prospect of a new US world champion stepping up to challenge the pound-for-pound superstar, Naoya Inoue. But here's where it gets controversial... While Inoue has dominated the light-flyweight, super-flyweight, bantamweight, and super-bantamweight divisions, many fans in the United States are eager to see him test his skills in the featherweight division on American soil. After a knockout of the year contender in a world title win, WBC featherweight world champion Bruce Carrington has thrown his hat in the ring, stating, 'I'll be the first to beat him.'
Inoue, who has already achieved undisputed status at 118lbs and 122lbs, is a multi-divisional champion in the four-belt era. However, with a legacy-defining showdown with Junto Nakatani on the horizon, some US fans are calling for Inoue to take on the new US champion in the featherweight division. And this is the part most people miss... While Inoue has ruled the roost in multiple divisions, the interest in a bout with the new US champion should not be one-sided. Carrington believes that Inoue should be seeking events across the pond to improve his star power. 'He should have some interest in fighting in America as well,' he declared, 'that will make him into an even bigger fighter if he becomes more successful with more fights here and builds his name.'
So, who should Inoue face if he chooses to debut at featherweight in the US? With his New York roots, a clash at Madison Square Garden makes sense for both men, providing Inoue comes through his meeting with Nakatani unscathed. But will Inoue take the bait? And will the new US champion be the one to dethrone the Japanese phenomenon? Only time will tell. In the meantime, the boxing world is abuzz with anticipation, and the comments section is open for debate. What do you think? Will Inoue take on the new US champion? Or will he stick to his current divisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
