In the dynamic world of boxing, the ongoing debate surrounding the pound-for-pound best fighter has reached a new level as Floyd Mayweather adds his voice to the discourse. The renowned boxer directed his comments towards Naoya Inoue, the Japanese fighter who recently clinched a four-division world champion title with an impressive knockout victory over Stephen Fulton.

Mayweather, known for his candid opinions, didn’t mince his words. He highlighted the significance of the recent achievements of both Inoue and Terence Crawford, who secured his place as a top contender by defeating Errol Spence Jr. Mayweather’s allegiance to his compatriots was evident as he expressed his support for the American boxer.

“I’m not gonna say that Inoue deserves to be over Crawford. I will always stand behind my people first. You know what the boxing world gonna say? ‘Inoue did this! Inoue did that!’ Okay, that’s cool. What I need Inoue to do is do like we do over here in the US. I need him to come fight in the US, random blood and urine testing”, Mayweather stated in an interview with FightHype.

Mayweather Calls for Naoya Inoue vs. Gervonta Davis

Mayweather’s assertion didn’t come without acknowledgment of Inoue’s skills, saying, “I think he’s a helluva fighter. I don’t wanna take nothing away from him. And I like him cause I see he take a lot of my stuff from my playbook. You’re supposed to take from the greats. What I would like to see is if he could fight Gervonta at a catchweight. That would be a helluva fight.”

Looking ahead, Mayweather proposed an enticing scenario that could captivate boxing enthusiasts worldwide. He expressed interest in a potential showdown between Inoue and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, envisioning a thrilling fight that could potentially take place at catchweight. Mayweather’s admiration for Inoue’s skills and his strategic thinking further added to the intrigue.

Inoue’s journey in the boxing world has been nothing short of remarkable. While he has predominantly competed in his native Japan, his occasional appearances in the United States have left an impact. His next move is a super-bantamweight contest with Marlon Tapales, raising expectations for his future performances on the global stage.

Stephen Fulton Jr.‘s recent defeat at the hands of Naoya Inoue has left him yearning for chance at redemption. The highly anticipated welterweight showdown showcased Inoue’s dominance. Despite his disappointment, Fulton remains steadfast in his belief that he is better than his performance suggested.

Inoue’s plans to move up to featherweight after facing Marlon Tapales pose a significant obstacle for Fulton’s hopes of a rematch. The Japanese star aims to become the undisputed champion in the new weight class, leaving little room for a second showdown with Fulton. To have any chance of securing a rematch with Inoue, he must prove himself against top-caliber opponents.

It will not be enough to face foes he has already beaten. Instead, he will need to make a statement by defeating formidable names in the featherweight division. Fulton’s rise to becoming a two-time champion at super bantamweight has drawn questions about the division’s depth of talent, so he must showcase his prowess against a higher caliber of opposition to earn a rematch with Inoue.

Stephen Fulton Jr. Statement on Instagram

While the road to redemption may seem daunting, Stephen Fulton Jr. remains determined to overcome the odds. Proving himself in the featherweight division is the key to earning another shot at the ‘Monster’ Inoue. Fulton Jr. must rise to the occasion and demonstrate his growth and capabilities to secure the highly sought-after rematch.

“Disappointed in myself because I am better than that, I’ve worked hard for over 12 years to get where I am today, and it wasn’t easy. Many restless nights, sacrifices and losses on this journey. I am better than that and it wasn’t my night, I am amongst the elite and I didn’t show that, which is why I’m hurt through it all. It isn’t the negative comments that get to me. It’s more so me knowing I am better than this, but I will be back. Hopefully team Inoue would give me a rematch in the near future or when he has accomplished what he is set out to do. I’ll be back by end of the year don’t count me out and I’ll definitely get my get back! Chin up head high!”, Fulton wrote on his account about a rematch.