Naoya Inoue is a Japanese professional boxer who has held multiple world championships in four weight classes.
He is one of only three male boxers to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the “four-belt era.” The other two were Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk.
Moreover, Naoya is the first and only boxer to win the undisputed championship at Super Bantamweight, having held all four major world titles since 2023.
Highlights
- Naoya Inoue is a Japanese professional boxer who held multiple world championships in four weight classes.
- Inoue is the eldest child of father Shingo Inoue and mother Miho Inoue.
- Naoya’s father is a former amateur boxer and his ultimate supporter and trainer.
Recently, Naoya Inoue has successfully defended his undisputed super bantamweight championship on January 24, 2025.
He achieved a fourth-round knockout of South Korea’s Ye Joon Kim at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
Originally scheduled to face Australia’s Sam Goodman, Inoue adapted seamlessly to the last-minute change in opponent after Goodman withdrew due to injury.
That finish in slow motion.@NaoyaInoue_410 really is one of one 👹 pic.twitter.com/sq2YpghubA
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) January 24, 2025
Despite the short notice, Inoue showcased his exceptional speed and technique, delivering a dominant performance culminating in a decisive knockout.
Looking ahead, Inoue has announced plans to fight in Las Vegas in the spring and in Saudi Arabia in 2025, signaling his intent to elevate his international profile further.
The potential future opponents include Mexico’s Alan Picasso and fellow Japanese fighter Junto Nakatani.
Naoya Inoue’s Father, Shingo Inoue, A Former Amateur Boxer, And His Mother, Miho Inoune, Are His Steadfast Supporter
Naoya Inoue was born on April 10, 1993 in Zama, Kanagawa, Japan. He is the eldest son of his father, Shingo Inoune, and his mother, Miho Inoune.
Shingo Inoue has played a significant role as his trainer and mentor in Naoya’s boxing career.
Shingo is known for his strategic approach and dedication to training his son, which has contributed significantly to Naoya’s rise as one of the most dominant boxers in the world.
「父の日」1日遅れたけどここまで強くしてくれて最高の舞台に連れて来てくれてありがとう。
— 井上尚弥 Naoya Inoue (@naoyainoue_410) June 22, 2021
夢見る景色へ未だ見ぬ景色へ pic.twitter.com/IDjMLMNBHa
Inoue’s father is an award-winning trainer. He was awarded the World Boxing Association (WBA) Trainer of the Year of 2024.
Moroever, Naoya Inoue’s father, is from Hachioji, Tokyo. He was an amateur boxer and has competed in marathons and ultramarathons, winning the 2010 IAU 24-Hour Run World Championships.
Similarly, Shingo also won the International Tour de Taiwan Ultramarathon in April 2013.
Furthermore, Mr. Inoue has always pushed his son to the limits. He has been involved in Naoya’s profession all his life, and his legacy has been passed on to him as an heirloom.
On the other hand, Naoya Inoue’s mother, Miho Inoue, has also been a supportive figure in Naoya’s life, though she maintains a lower public profile.
Miho is often seen in the boxing arena audience lane cheering her son, Naoya, in his matches. Several photos of Miho Inoue’s overwhelmed expression on Naoya’s victory are captured.
Naoya Inoue’s career is guided and is trained by his father, a former amateur boxer, Shingo Inoue.
Furthermore, Naoya Inoue has acknowledged the struggles and inspiration of his parents to shape his career and values their efforts. One of the quotes of Naoya Inoue states,
“In the ring, I fight for my family and my country
Naoya Inoue
Additional Information
- Naoya Inoue’s younger brother, Takuma Inoue, is also a professional boxer. He also held the WBA bantamweight title from 2023 to 2024.
- Naoya Inoue is married to his high school sweetheart. They dated for about seven years and married on December 1st, 2015.
- The Inoue couple has three children: Akiba, born in 2017; a daughter, born in 2019; and the youngest, born in 2021.
