Boxing Superstar Inoue Doesn’t Need America to Shine
The recent comments made by ProBox TV analyst Shawn Porter, who suggested that Japanese boxing sensation Naoya Inoue would need to conquer America to become a global superstar, have been met with widespread criticism from industry insiders.
Inoue, also known as the “Monster,” is already a hugely popular figure in Japan and highly regarded around the world. The 31-year-old (26-0, 23 KOs) is set to defend his titles against Mexico’s Luis Nery on May 6 at the Tokyo Dome, where a record-breaking crowd of 55,000 is expected.
Top Rank vice president Todd duBoef strongly disagreed with Porter’s assessment, stating that Inoue is not only possibly the greatest fighter he has ever seen but is already an icon in his own right. “I totally disagree with that, but that’s his opinion,” duBoef said. “Selfishly, I’d love to have [Inoue] in America. He is a phenom. I’ve said this: I think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever seen in my 30 years … complete fighter, because I like an aggressive style, power in both hands, IQ, defense, offense. He does everything.”
DuBoef highlighted that Inoue’s home market of Japan provides ample support and opportunities, unlike the situation for Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines, which was an “under-resourced economy.” In contrast, Japan is a “fully developed economy, with big stadiums and big media platforms.”
“I think it’s a very shallow perspective in today’s world. I don’t think you have to be in America. I think the world has become so flat today that we’re so connected. When [Inoue] fights, he trends globally on all platforms as the No. 1 thing going on at that moment. He’s resonating. We’re able to transmit a signal live and everybody can see it.”
While duBoef acknowledges that he would love to have Inoue fight in America, he recognizes that the boxer is already a “gift to the country” and does not necessarily need to leave Japan to cement his status as one of the greatest fighters in the sport today.
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