Home/Boxing

via Getty

via Getty

Naoya Inoue, the undisputed and undefeated super bantamweight champion, reigns supreme in his weight class. Who can challenge him? Enter Ryan Garcia, the brash American lightweight contender, stirring the pot with a social media outburst. Inoue sparked controversy, declaring Japan the new home of lightweight boxing.

This bold statement riled up some boxing figures like Shawn Porter, suggesting Inoue needs to fight in the US for wider recognition. But Inoue is unfazed, inviting challengers to his turf in Japan. Garcia, known for his confidence and online presence, took the bait with a shocking response. Has Garcia ignited a real fight with Inoue, or is this just online hype?

Can a lightweight like Ryan Garcia challenge the super bantamweight king?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Naoya Inoue’s declaration on social media set the stage for what could be a seismic shift in the boxing world. “The home of the lightweight division is now here in Japan,” he proclaimed. He continued, “If you want to see the game, come to Japan. If there is something better than what is available in the Japanese market in America, I would be happy to go. That’s all worth it here in Japan.” This bold assertion highlights Inoue’s confidence in the rising prominence of Japanese boxing on the global stage.

Responding swiftly and with his characteristic bravado, Ryan Garcia did not mince words. “Respect, I’d come to Japan to f**k your little a*s up,” he tweeted back. This retort not only underscores Garcia’s readiness to challenge Inoue but also his willingness to enter what he perceives as the heart of the current boxing scene.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Furthermore, Garcia’s direct challenge is not merely about proving his prowess; it’s a strategic move to assert his dominance in a division that Inoue claims as his own. And this isn’t the first time Ryan has wanted to fight Inoue.

KingRy envisions his biggest PPV match

Ryan Garcia has long envisioned a landmark bout against Naoya Inoue, seeing it as a potential blockbuster in the making. During an old Instagram livestream, Garcia outlined the magnitude of such a matchup, especially if it were to take place in Japan. “Inoue can become a multiple-weight world champion. So I’m thinking, what if one day we fight at 140. I’m talking about future, we’ll do it in Japan, it will be huge. Huge,” Garcia expressed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

He further emphasized, “Mark my words, if it somehow plays out that way, that fight would be one of the biggest pay-per-views of all-time.” Garcia’s anticipation sets the stage for what could be an epic clash in the world of boxing.

Ultimately, the question remains: Will this verbal sparring materialize into one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history? What are your thoughts on how this matchup would unfold?