Naoya Inoue beating Marlon Tapales has made him an undisputed world champion in two weight classes. His win has cemented his status as one of the best to ever pick up the gloves. ‘The Monster’ has stacked up 26 wins and is currently the holder of four world titles. However, is he the best pound-for-pound boxing champion at the moment? According to the internet, there is a debate to be had.
Following his recent win, fans started debating over who the best pound-for-pound fighter is. Inoue has always been up there in second place, right after Terence Crawford. ‘Bud’ has been the best P4P fighter for some time now. However, that place is no longer safe. A recent post put forth by a boxing editor, Michael Benson, seems to want to introduce some debate into the boxing world. But what exactly caused the debate?
Naoya Inoue secures win over Marlon Tapales, inches closer to the best P4P fighter
The fight between Naoya Inoue and Marlon Tapales was a treat for the audience. Inoue walked in as the unified WBC and WBO super-bantamweight title holder and left with two more belts, the IBF and WBA belt added to his collection. The Monster dropped Tapales in the fourth round and then knocked him out again in the tenth round to clinch the victory.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 18: Naoya Inoue of Japan (blue shorts), celebrates as he knock down Emmanuel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico (white shorts), during the WBSS Bantamweight Semi Final IBF World Championship fight at the Muhammad Ali Trophy Semi-Finals – World Boxing Super Series Fight Night at The SSE Hydro on May 18, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
By winning this bout, Inoue created history. He along with Terence Crawford are the only two men to become two-weight undisputed four-belt champions. However, Crawford didn’t merely establish his supremacy as the top fighter in the 147-pound division. He cemented his place in history as one of the all-time greats with his exceptional performance against Errol Spence Jr. Do fans trust Inoue to take over the top position?
The boxing community divided over the king of P4P
Crawford with his 40 wins is really a formidable holder of the title. However, it is not a surprise that the ranks are up for debate with how well Inoue is doing. So when the question was introduced, the fans went into a frenzy with their opinions and judgments. “Who is boxing’s pound-for-pound king today? Terence Crawford or Naoya Inoue?” asked the journalist, bringing forth a flurry of responses. One fan, staying slightly neutral, said, “Inoue in my opinion but either one is good.”
Inoue imo but either one is good pic.twitter.com/sPO1t25z1u
— Gizmo (@gizmo_277) December 26, 2023
Another fan, making a statement, went against the winner and said, “Terence Crawford, this is not a debate.”
Terence Crawford, this isn’t a debate.
— (@Shadowiscold) December 26, 2023
One user claiming that Inoue is clear of any competition from Crawford, commented, “Inoue by some distance now.”
Inoue by some distance now.
— The Boxing Mad Man (@TheBoxingMadMan) December 26, 2023
One fan giving the reason that Crawford’s activity has been less than impressive gave a lengthy answer saying, “Inoue honestly. I like Bud but activity is key. Can’t fight 1 time a yr and expect to be P4P. I’m prolly the minority in this and that fine. But I feel activity and what Inoue is doing should make him P4P #1.”
Inoue honestly. I like Bud but activity is key. Can't fight 1 time a yr and expect to be P4P. I'm prolly the minority in this and that fine. But I feel activity and what Inoue is doing should make him P4P #1
— GeebZGames (@InkbyDennis) December 26, 2023
Another Inoue fan, claiming that there was no debate in the first place, said, “It’s been Inoue. Still is.”
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Fans seemed divided over the two fighters. Nevertheless, both of these are the greats of our generation. Their sheer presence in the ring is a sight to behold. Their undefeated records are proof of their prowess and dedication. Inoue is climbing the ladder fast and now poses a significant challenge to Crawford. Do you think he will take over soon? We would love to hear your views in the comments below.
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The post “I Like Bud but Activity Is Key”: Naoya Inoue ‘s Recent Win Sparks Wild Debate Among Fans Over Number One Pound for Pound Between Him and Terence Crawford appeared first on EssentiallySports.