Can Naoya Inoue maintain his dominance at featherweight?

Undefeated Japanese Naoya Inoue, 31, will face Britain’s Sam Goodman on January 24 at Ariake Arena, Koto-Ku, in Tokyo, Japan. In a fight that seems like a formality for Inoue and which he should win easily. Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) is no threat to the Monster and we think it should be his last fight at super bantamweight.

If Inoue decides to move up to featherweight, we have several fighters ready to welcome him to this weight class in a title fight. However, his team’s plans could take him to a preparatory bout before facing one of the current featherweight champions.

Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza and Angelo Leo are logical candidates. Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton faced off in February and the winner could put his name on the list. If Naoya wants to fight for a title right away. Fulton was knocked out by Inoue in 2023 in 8 rounds at super bantamweight.

Another man in this weight class who could stand out is Robeisy Ramirez. The Cuban lost to Espinoza in a controversial bout and little is known about his medical situation following the defeat to El Divino. However, his status in this weight class opens up room to measure Inoue if he has already regained his health.

Nick Ball will face TJ Doheny on March 15, which closes both men’s chances against Naoya early. Rey Vargas hasn’t won since 2022 and O’Shaquie Foster hasn’t beaten Robinson Conceicao yet; most likely, they will have a third fight after winning via split decision in both fights.

While Naoya’s prospects at featherweight aren’t bright, boxing fans remain interested in seeing him against the heavyweight at 126lbs. Continuing at 122 would mean wasting time and money for the Japanese monster. His superiority over the super bantamweight is vast and we don’t see anyone capable of stopping him or giving him a tough fight.

We believe that in 2025 Naoya should take a step forward and reach featherweight. Most fans want to measure his capacity against 126 lbs. If his team in Japan decides to let him make weight, the opponent’s name must be important.

Naoya Inoue’s position on the LxL lists means his featherweight rival must be a real contender. Because of their physical advantages in terms of height and reach, Rey Vargas and Rafael Espinoza seem like very strong rivals. We don’t know if the Mexicans will be able to continue at featherweight for a long time; it’s possible that both will have to go to super feathers, which opens up a more even compass for Inoue at this weight.

After considering all the possibilities, among the top featherweight contenders, although it seems unlikely, we are inclined to believe that Cuban Robeisy Ramirez could be the chosen one. The reason is that the Cuban still keeps his name at the top of this weight and Inoue’s physical disadvantages would not be as overwhelming.

Regardless of who Naoya Inoue and his team choose to make the jump to 126 pounds, it’s a given that fans want to see him face the best in that weight class. Naoya, to some, seems invincible not only at 126 pounds, but he also sees it in the future, closing out his career and dominating at super featherweight, which seems unlikely.

For now, we’ll be content to watch him gain weight and measure it against the best featherweight available in 2025. There are names that can surprise Inoue at this weight, and we’re eager to see if he can maintain his power and dominance at this weight.