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.
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