Inoue’s Philippine Connection: Which Pinoy Super Bantamweight Could Challenge “The Monster?”
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 15 Sep 2025
Boxing superstar Naoya "Monster" Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) outclassed Uzbek former champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (14-2, 11 KOs) with a wide unanimous decision win, retaining his undisputed super bantamweight titles today, September 14, in Nagoya, Japan.
Scorecards were 118-110 (x2) and 117-110, all in favor of the unbeaten 32-year-old "Monster," widely regarded by fans as one of the top 3 pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
Inoue revealed to fans in his post-fight interview that his next title defense will be in Saudi Arabia, and confirmed a 2026 showdown against fellow Japanese star Junto Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs).
Is Inoue the best P4P boxer in the world?
Many fans think so.
Alongside Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) and Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), Inoue is widely considered by boxing fans as one of the top 3 pound-for-pound boxers. Do you think he is the best?
Filipino super bantams in Naoya Inoue’s Rankings: Casimero, Ancajas, Martin
Many Filipino fans are still wanting to see Naoya Inoue defending against world-ranked Ormocano Jhonriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero (34-4-1, 23 KOs), but it seems Inoue's next defense will be against Mexican WBC #1 David Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs) on December 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Another Filipino super bantamweight, Davaoeño Jerwin "Pretty Boy" Ancajas (37-4-2, 24 KOs), might face Inoue if he defeats Japanese former world champion Ryosuke Nishida (10-1, 2 KOs) in their IBF final eliminator.
Other world-class Filipino super bantamweights listed in Inoue's world ranking include:
- Carl Jammes Martin (26-0, 20 KOs), WBO #1, set to face Aran Diapen (21-4, 18 KOs) on October 29
- Also in the ranking is Marlon "Nightmare" Tapales (40-4, 21 KOs), IBF #3, scheduled to fight Nadir "Hulk" Baloch (12-2, 9 KOs) also on October 29. A rematch of Tapales against the Japanese phenomenon is at this moment unlikely as Tapales was already knocked out by “The Monster” two years ago in Tokyo.
For you, which Filipino super bantamweight has the best chance against the skilled Naoya Inoue: Ancajas, Martin, or Casimero?
The author is veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Cebu.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS FROM PROBOXTV’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
Fri, 21 Nov 2025JC Chavez Jr to return in January 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Houston Rockets Subdue Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-104, Gain Tie for 2nd in the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 1: 1904 OLYMPICS AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Pacquiao, Nine Other Pinoys in Latest Ring Ratings
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025QUOTES FROM MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS LOS ANGELES OPEN WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB AND LAS VEGAS OPEN WORKOUT AHEAD OF NOV. 29 FIGHT NIGHT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Super Featherweight Sluggers ‘Tsendy’ Erdenebat and Abraham Montoya Agree to Meet in Short-Notice Co-Featured Bout on Proboxtv’s Friday Night Fights
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Cartagenas, Yu top 4th DCHS Fun Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 20 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Nov 2025RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025