The Long-Awaited Clash: Hearn’s Campaign Brings Inoue And Akhmadaliev To Japan On Sunday

Promoter Eddie Hearn says the clash between undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and Murodjon Akhmadaliev is a “50-50” one for this Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the IG Arena, Nagoya, Japan.

Hearn promoters WBA interim 122-lb champion Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 KOs), and feels that the reason this fight is happening is the pressure that he’s put on Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs) to take this fight. He’s been at it for close to two years, calling for ‘Monster’ to take the fight. Now, he’s finally gotten his wish.

The U.S. Viewership Challenge

Inoue will be defending his four IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO 122-lb titles in what could be the toughest fight of his career. Up to now, the hardest fight was his first bout against Nonito Donaire on November 7, 2019. That was a 36-year-old version of Donaire that Inoue fought.

The Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev event starts at 4:00 AM ET / 1:00 AM PT, live on FIGHT SPORTS MAX this Sunday, September 14, 2025.

The reason behind Inoue-Akhmadaliev being scheduled for this Sunday is to avoid conflicting with the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford event this Saturday, September 13. By scheduling Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev on Sunday, it maximizes viewership by avoiding competing with Saturday’s event.

“Inoue against MJ is one of the best fights in boxing. I have to respect Inoue for taking it because the people around him didn’t want to take that fight,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn to Ring Magazine.

Hearn is going a little overboard with his praise of the Inoue vs. MJ fight. It’s a good one, but it’s not one that many fans will see in the U.S due to the absence of a major broadcast network showing it. Also, the early 4:00 AM ET start time of the event will hurt viewership.

Hearn’s “50/50” Stance

“I feel like I goaded them enough to take it. I’m very pleased they took it. I see it as a 50/50 fight. The two best fighters in the division, the best fight in the division. We’re looking forward to going to Japan in September for that fight.”

He’s a good fighter, but he’s no ‘Monster,’” said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum to Boxing Scene, talking about Akhmadaliev not being on the level of Inoue.