Finally, it happens: Inoue to face Ahmadaliev on September 14th after years of perception of avoidance and easier battles

Promoter Eddie Hearn has announced today that the match between Naya Inu and Modzhon Ahmadaliev is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, in Japan. Two years have passed in the wait and a little late for many fans who gave up it. Inoue still has to win his battle against Ramon Cardans, but this is expected to be another easy one, one of the many he had.

Hearn is happy that his fighter, a former IBF and WBA 122-Funt champion Akhmadaliev (13-1, 10 KOS), finally received a shot at Fighting Inonue, at 32, for his four Super Bantamweight titles. Eddie has been pushing for the struggle to happen for centuries.

Long waiting and cool reaction

The reaction of Hearn’s message today was not huge on social media. The loss of Ahmadaliev from Tapales two years ago in 2023 gathered much of the interest that was once in this match.

If Inue had fought in 2022, when he was still unbeaten, the battle would have been huge. The Japanese star chose not to do it. So, the battle is not such a big deal. Fans are more interested in Inoue to move to 126 and take champions Rafael Espinosis, Angelo Leo and Nick Ball.

The avoidance strategy

The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Ahmadaliev was under the impression that Inui was avoiding it, which may be true. Inoue has a good thing in Japan, adored by the country, which collectively doesn’t mind that it is fighting less than the star opposition.

They believe that he is great and do not bring his feet to the fire to press him to start fighting the competition at the level of the elite. With the money Naoya makes fighting guys like Ye Joon Kim and Tj Doheny, why would you want to fight risky battles where he can lose?

This message may increase interest in Inoue’s battle this Sunday night against Ramon Cardensas on May 4 in Las Vegas, as there was no buzzing from the US for this struggle for obvious reasons. He is seen as another soft opponent for Monster Inoue (29-0, 26 kos) to knock out in a disappointing match in America.

A deal, finally! 🤝

Uzbek Power vs Monster ✍

The best battle in the division 🇺🇿🔥🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/orljzndufy

– Eddie Hearn (@eddiehearn) May 1, 2025