Japan’s Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed world 122-pound championship against Uzbekistan’s Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev on September 14th at the IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan. The boxers submitted their 14-day pre-fight weigh-in results. Inoue was 130 pounds, while Akhmadaliev is 127.2.  Inoue has called Akhmadaliev the toughest opponent he has faced in his career. The Uzbekistani Akhmadaliev has already shown signs that he is ready for the challenge, holding a public training session in Yokohama, where he displayed part of his physical and technical preparation. The event attracted the Japanese press and dozens of fans curious to see the Uzbek fighter up close. He stated that he feels strong, fast, and motivated to pull off the upset on September 14th, emphasizing that he has studied Inoue and is confident in his strategy to counter the champion’s power.

 

“I finally have the opportunity to face Inoue. I have worked very hard to get to this position and on fight night I will show the best version of myself. I feel that I will be in the best shape of my entire career.

 

“I can hurt anyone with my punches, I believe in my power and I know I can use it. I have all the tools to compete at the highest level in every aspect. The ring will show everything, the ring never lies.”