Manny Pacquiao is close to winding down his career although he plans to do a couple of fights more. Most are looking at young rising stars like Mark Magsayo to succeed him. However, international media are looking at someone different to succeed in the eight-time division champion. He is Naoya Inoue of Japan.
To most, Inoue is a virtual unknown. But quietly, the 27-year-old pug also referred to as “The Monster (Kaibitsu)” is slowly getting there. This appears to be the reason why Top Rank has opted to back the Japanese boxer.
Inoue does have a case. For one, he possesses power behind his fast punches which include a thunderous left-hand. But beyond that, the performance of the Japanese pug is what has been capturing the eyes of the boxing world. He is already a three-weight world champion, holding the IBF and WBA bantamweight titles. He remains unbeaten in 19 fights, 16 of which came from knockouts.
Ironically, his last victory was against a Filipino – Nonito Donaire. He won over the former champion via unanimous decision to retain the IBF and The Ring bantamweight titles. He also won the WBA (Super) bantamweight title in the clash that was held in November of last year.
Aside from Donaire, past fighters can attest to the punches thrown by “The Monster.” That includes Jamie McDonnell who fought Inoue in 2017 but lost via TKO. That cost him the WBA (Regular) bantamweight title.
"The first shot he hit me with shook me and when you're in a fight feeling as empty as what I did then Inoue is not the ideal opponent,” McDonnell said via Sky Sports. "It's like a big thud and it didn't even look like he was loading up when he caught me. He's a special fighter."
So far, Inoue has fought only twice outside Japan. A third one was in the cards, a fight in Las Vegas against John Riel Casimero. The debut title unification match was canceled due to the pandemic.
One thing that Inoue needs to establish is his personality. He needs to fight more overseas, particularly in the United States. If the Japanese boxer can do that, he could be closer to following the footsteps of Pacquiao.
In Japan, Inoue has made a name for himself not only in the ring. He has been in many TV programs and media outlets. Despite his popularity, Inoue remains humble. He does not consider himself leading the way in terms of boxing, something he said in an interview with the Daily Record.
Inoue does have all the traits that Pacquiao initially had when he started to make a name for himself. Given more time and exposure, there is no doubt that Inoue could be the next Manny Pacquiao if he stays the course.
