Updated 11 September 2025, 10:15 BST
Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown against Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Sunday 14 September 2025 at the brand-new IG Arena (Aichi International Arena) in Nagoya, Japan. All five belts – WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring – will be at stake as Inoue seeks another successful defence at 122 lb.
The fight is billed as Inoue’s toughest test yet at super-bantamweight, with Akhmadaliev riding a three-fight stoppage streak since losing a razor-thin split decision to Marlon Tapales in 2023. For Nagoya, Japan it marks the first major boxing event to headline its new arena.
Check out all the upcoming boxing fights here on the split decision boxing schedule.
Fight Time & PPV Details for Inoue v Akhmadaliev
- UK start time: Undercard expected from 08:00–08:30 BST.
- Main event ring walks (UK): Around 13:00 BST on Sunday 14 September.
- Local time: ~21:00 JST in Nagoya, Japan.
- UK broadcaster / PPV price: TBC at the time of writing. No UK broadcaster confirmed yet.
- Japan: Live coverage on Lemino.
Why Inoue vs Akhmadaliev Matters
Naoya Inoue has dominated at 122 lb, becoming undisputed in just two fights before running through contenders. Akhmadaliev, a former unified champion, has rebuilt with three straight knockouts and enters as the most credible challenger to Inoue’s supremacy. The winner not only cements status at super-bantamweight but could dictate future legacy fights in 2026.
Inoue v Akhmadaliev Undercard
A strong supporting card has been announced for Nagoya, showcasing domestic champions and rising talents. Highlights include:
- Yoshiki Takei vs Christian Medina – WBO bantamweight title
- Yuni Takada vs Ryusei Matsumoto – vacant WBA ‘regular’ strawweight title
- Yudai Murakami vs Taiga Imanaga – Japanese lightweight title
- Ei Go vs Shunpei Ohata – super-featherweight
- Toshiki Shimomachi vs Han Sol Lee – super-bantamweight
- Taisei Ayano vs Yusuke Nawa – bantamweight
What time is Naoya Inoue vs Murodjon Akhmadaliev in the UK?
The Naoya Inoue vs Murodjon Akhmadaliev UK fight time has the undercard starting from around 08:00–08:30 BST, with the main event ring walks expected at approximately 13:00 BST on Sunday 14 September 2025. UK fans should plan for an early afternoon viewing, as the fight takes place in Nagoya, Japan, where local ring walks are scheduled for 21:00 JST.
Naoya Inoue Recent Fights
- TKO 8 Ramon Cardenas (4 May 2025, Las Vegas) – overcame early knockdowns to close the show.
- TKO 4 Ye Joon Kim (24 Jan 2025, Tokyo).
- TKO 7 T.J. Doheny (3 Sept 2024, Tokyo).
These victories show Inoue’s finishing spite and ability to recover from adversity at 122 lb.
Murodjon Akhmadaliev Recent Fights
- TKO 8 Luis Gerardo Castillo (30 May 2025, Guadalajara).
- TKO 3 Ricardo Espinoza Franco (14 Dec 2024, Monte Carlo).
- TKO 8 Kevin Gonzalez (16 Dec 2023, Glendale).
Since his 2023 loss to Tapales, Akhmadaliev has rebuilt momentum with three emphatic stoppages, earning this title opportunity.
Weigh-in News
The official weigh-in will take place in Nagoya on Saturday 13 September (local time). For UK fans, results should appear on Saturday morning BST. Final details of the public weigh-in are pending, but expect the standard day-before format.
Predictions or Expert Insight
Inoue enters as a heavy favourite with UK bookmakers around 1/10, while Akhmadaliev is priced between 5/1 and 6/1. Analysts point to Inoue’s punch variety, accuracy and recovery powers as decisive, though Akhmadaliev’s southpaw pressure and body attacks could make this his toughest night yet at 122 lb. Most predictions lean towards an Inoue stoppage in the middle rounds.
What Comes Next for Inoue?
If Inoue wins: a domestic superfight with Junto Nakatani in early 2026 is already being discussed. Alternatively, reports suggest a December defence against Mexican contender Alan Picasso.
What Comes Next for Akhmadaliev?
If Akhmadaliev wins: a rematch could be immediate, or the Uzbek could unify further against other top-five names at 122 lb, reshaping the division overnight.
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Inoue v Akhmadaliev F.A.Q.
Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown against Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Sunday 14 September 2025 at the new IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan. All five major titles – WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring – are on the line. The fight headlines the arena’s first major boxing event and marks Akhmadaliev’s chance to reclaim a division he once unified.
UK fans can expect undercard action to begin between 08:00–08:30 BST, with main event ring walks set for around 13:00 BST on Sunday the 14th September. This corresponds to a 21:00 JST start in Japan, meaning it is an afternoon watch for UK viewers. As always, exact timings could shift depending on earlier bouts and broadcast pacing.
No UK broadcaster has yet been confirmed for Inoue vs Akhmadaliev, with rights still being negotiated. The fight will be shown live in Japan on Lemino, but UK fans may need to wait for final announcements closer to fight week. Once confirmed, details will include whether the fight is part of a PPV package or bundled with a subscription service.
Naoya Inoue is a heavy favourite with UK bookmakers, priced around 1/10 to retain his titles. Akhmadaliev is considered a dangerous underdog at odds of 5/1–6/1, reflecting both his punching power and past championship pedigree. Most analysts expect Inoue to prevail, but Akhmadaliev’s southpaw style and recent knockout form mean an upset cannot be ruled out.
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