Former professional boxing WBA world super bantamweight interim champion Rais Aleem (USA, 32) declared war on Naoya Inoue (Ohashi, 29). The US boxing media “Boxing Scene” (WEB version) reported on January 13, 2023.
Aleem “Inoue is a true champion”
Inoue, who succeeded in unifying the world bantamweight 4-group title in December last year, announced on January 13 that he would return the 4-group title and switch to the super bantamweight. While the first match of the super bantamweight class attracted attention, former class interim champion Aleem raised his name as an opponent.
On January 13th, American boxing specialized media “Boxing Scene” (WEB version) published an article with the title “Alim wants to fight Naoya Inoue: Give Inoue the first loss!”
Aleem won the WBA world super bantamweight interim title in January 2021. After that, the WBA abolished the interim title, so the title of “interim champion” was removed without having a unification match with the regular champion. The current world ranking is No. 1 in the WBO class, and No. 4 in both the WBC and IBF. His record is 20 wins (12 KOs).
In response to the media coverage, Aleem appealed, “I want to be the first player to give Naoya Inoue a loss.” He’s a boxer who’s been around for a long time,” he said with respect.
He added, “I’m the only one who’s asking Inoue to fight. Everyone’s scared. Which is scarier, ‘Monster’ or ‘Beast’? Let’s fight for our undefeated record.”
Manager: “This is a very feasible fight”
Greg Hanley, Aleem’s manager, said, “Aleem is ready to become a legend. To do that, they need to beat a legend. We are ready to talk (with the Inoue camp). This is very important. It’s a fight that can be realized in the future. Let’s give the game that the fans want to see.”
The media said Aleem is one of the best super bantamweight fighters, but the lack of big matches in 2022 frustrated him. The only time Aleem was in the ring last year was the WBO North American title fight (decision win) in September.
There are currently two world champions in the super bantamweight division. WBC/WBO class champion Stephen Fulton (USA, 28) and WBA/IBF class champion Murojon Ahmadaliev (Uzbekistan, 28).
According to overseas media reports, Fulton is expected to participate in the WBC World Featherweight Interim Championship on February 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Depending on the results of the championship match, there is a possibility of returning the two thrones of WBC and WBO.
Ahmadaliev, on the other hand, has agreed to play a nomination bout with Marlon Tapales (Philippines, 30), who ranks first in the IBF class, and will be held this spring.
Inoue, who has relinquished the throne of the four bantamweight groups, is highly likely to be ranked high in the world rankings of each group in the super bantamweight division due to his achievements so far. It is expected to be ranked first. If Fulton vacates the title, he will likely qualify for the championship match.
