Can Naoya Inoue maintain his featherweight dominance?

Undefeated 31-year-old Japanese player Naoya Inoue will face British player Sam Goodman on January 24 at Ariake Arena in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan. Inoue looked like it was just routine and deserved to win easily. Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) is no threat to Monster and we believe this should be his last fight at super lightweight.

If Inoue decides to move up to featherweight, we have several fighters ready to welcome him into the weight class for a title fight. However, his team's plans could lead to him having a prep fight before facing one of the current featherweight champions.

Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza and Angelo Rio are logical candidates. Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton face off in February, and the winner can put his name on the roster. If Naoya wants to fight for the championship immediately. In 2023, Fulton was knocked out by Inoue in eight rounds in a super lightweight competition.

Another guy who could emerge in this weight class is Robeisy Ramirez. The Cuban lost to Espinoza in a controversial bout, and little is known about his health following the loss to Eldivino. However, if Inoue is healthy again, his status in this weight category gives him leeway to weigh in on.

Nick Ball will face TJ Dhoni on March 15, which quickly eliminates the possibility of the two facing Naoya. Rey Vargas hasn't won since 2022, O'Shaquie Foster still hasn't beaten Robinson Conceicao; most likely , they will play a third match after winning via split decision in both matches.

Even though Naoya's future at featherweight isn't bright, boxing fans are still interested in seeing him take on top-tier talent at 126 pounds. His superiority against the super bantamweight division is extensive and we don't see anyone being able to stop him or give him a tough fight.

We believe that in 2025, Naoya should step up and become a featherweight. Most fans want to gauge his ability against the 126-pounder. If his Japanese team decides to move him up in weight, the opponent's name will have to be important.

Inoue's place on the LxL roster means his featherweight opponent must be a real contender. Rey Vargas and Rafael Espinosa look to be very formidable opponents due to their physical advantages in size and wingspan. We don't know if the Mexican can maintain the featherweight division long term; both will likely have to go to superfeather, which opens up a more even compass for Inoue at this weight.

After considering all the possibilities, among the top contenders in the featherweight division, although it seems unlikely, we are inclined to believe that the Cuban Robesi Ramirez could be chosen. The reason is that Cuban is still among the best at this weight, and Inoue's physical disadvantage will not be so overwhelming.

No matter who Inoue and his team choose to make the 126-pound jump, fans will want to see him face the best in the weight class. To some, Naoya not only looks invincible at 126 pounds, but even sees an opportunity for him to end his career and dominate the super featherweight division in the future, but that seems unlikely.

For now, we'll be content with seeing him gain weight and be compared to the best featherweights in 2025. of strength and dominance.