Murodjon Akhmadaliev Demands Answers From Rival

At the Salle des Étoiles in Monte Carlo, on December 14, Murodjon Akhmadaliev (13-1, 9 KOs) dominated against Ricardo Espinoza (30-5, 25 KOs, 1 NC), winning by third-round TKO. Akhmadaliev-Espinoza was the main event of a Matchroom Boxing card shown live on DAZN. Following this impressive showing, attention quickly turned to who the Uzbek fighter wanted to face next.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev Next Fight: Uzbek Fighter Sends Clear Message to Rival

Murodjon Akhmadaliev Next Fight: Sets Sights on Major Showdown

Akhmadaliev controlled the distance well from the opening bell, picking his shots at range with Espinoza struggling to land anything of note. The third round saw the Uzbek southpaw land a left cross which sent Espinoza down for the first time. Despite beating the count, a right cross from Akhmadaliev landed, knocking the Mexican down again.

Read More: Murodjon Akhmadaliev Scores Final Round Stoppage Of Rios

He beat the count for the second time – but another well-timed left cross prompted the referee to wave the fight off, awarding Akhmadaliev the TKO win, ensuring he retained the WBA interim super bantamweight title.

Message to Inoue Following Dec. 14 Win

Following this impressive win, he didn’t hold back and took aim at the undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue. During the post-fight interview, the Uzbek fighter accused the Japanese star of ducking him as did promoter Eddie Hearn. Akhmadaliev sent a clear message to Inoue: “If he don’t wanna fight me, he just needs to explain.” Akhmadaliev said through a translator.

Read More: Akhmadaliev Upsets Roman- Made Boxing History Thursday Night

He continued: “Because when I was the champion, I followed the rules. And he should follow the rules as well.”

Towards the end of his interview, Akhmadaliev said in English: I’m ready, let’s go Inoue!”

Inoue vs. Goodman Postponement

Boxing writer Ben Damon was among the first to report that Sam Goodman had sustained a cut in preparation for his fight against Inoue. There was speculation that Inoue would proceed with the date and instead fight Toshiki Shimomachi. However, that wound up not materialising.

In a post on X, Inoue officially confirmed the postponement.

“The title defense was scheduled for December 24th, just 10 days away, but had to be postponed due to an injury Goodman sustained during sparring,” said Inoue in the post written in Japanese.

“I’m sorry to everyone who was looking forward to it. We hope you will come again on the new dates [sic]!!! New date: Friday, January 24th at Ariake Arena. Let’s fight at our best.”

Following Inoue-Goodman on Jan. 24, could we then finally see Akhmadaliev face “Monster” later in 2025?