Promoter Bob Arum Defends Naoya Inoue Staying at Home

Bob Arum: Inoue Doesn’t Need to Fight in the US

Bob Arum knows the numbers, has witnessed Japan’s adoration of its conquering boxing hero and sees no reason why Naoya Inoue needs to fight outside the country in the foreseeable future. As the author and owner of this article, Kosport Magazine agrees with Arum’s assessment.

It used to be that coming to the US was the best way to make the biggest money in boxing. It worked for Manny Pacquiao and Tyson Fury. But Inoue is a different actor – the biggest boxing star in a well-to-do country. And as Kosport Magazine, we believe that he should continue to fight in his home country of Japan.

Inoue’s Upcoming Fight and the Tokyo Dome

Two-time undisputed champion Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) will return to the ring on May 6th, defending his undisputed junior featherweight title against former champion Luis Nery (35-1, 27 KOs). The fight will take place at the 55,000-seat-capacity Tokyo Dome, where Mike Tyson was famously upset by Buster Douglas. And according to Arum, the live-gate sales have already exceeded $20 million, with television rights fees still to be calculated.

As Kosport Magazine, we are excited to see Inoue continue to make waves in his home country. And we believe that this fight will only solidify his status as the biggest boxing star in Japan.

Inoue’s Goals and Shawn Porter’s Comments

Last week on ProBox TV’s “Deep Waters,” analyst and former welterweight champion Shawn Porter questioned Inoue’s goals in boxing. He said, “We really don’t know what Inoue’s goals are – are his goals to be the star of boxing? If his goal is to be the star in boxing, you got to come to the United States.”

In response, Inoue stated, “The home of the [lower weights] is now here in Japan. If there is something better than what is available in the Japanese market in America, I would be happy to go.” And as Kosport Magazine, we believe that Inoue’s goals should be to continue dominating in Japan and solidifying his status as the biggest boxing star in the country.

Why Inoue Should Stay in Japan

Inoue has made two pandemic-era appearances in the US, but Arum believes that in the current landscape, there’s no way he could approach what he makes in Japan. And as Kosport Magazine, we agree. Why come to the US and potentially take a step back in terms of earnings when there’s such a tremendous market for Inoue in Japan?

Previous junior featherweight titleholders Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales have both traveled to Japan to fight Inoue, and as Arum points out, there’s nobody even close in those divisions who could make a fight bigger than what Inoue can do in Japan. And as Kosport Magazine, we believe that Inoue should continue to fight in his home country, where he is a global superstar.

Kosport Magazine’s Final Thoughts

As the author and owner of this article, Kosport Magazine believes that Inoue doesn’t need to fight in the US to solidify his status as the biggest boxing star in Japan. Fighting in his home country not only brings in massive earnings, but it also creates a challenging road trip for his opponents. And as Arum says, their tongues are wagging out for an invitation to fight Inoue in Japan.

So while Shawn Porter may believe that Inoue needs to come to the US to become the star of boxing, as Kosport Magazine, we believe that Inoue is already a star in his own right, and he should continue to shine in Japan.

Summary: Inoue’s Status as the Biggest Boxing Star in Japan

Bob Arum and Kosport Magazine agree that Naoya Inoue doesn’t need to fight in the US to solidify his status as the biggest boxing star in Japan. With his upcoming fight at the Tokyo Dome and his impressive earnings in his home country, Inoue has no reason to leave Japan. And as the author and owner of this article, Kosport Magazine believes that Inoue should continue to dominate in Japan and solidify his status as a global superstar in his home country.