A MONSTER’S PASSION
of big names in my weights.
motivate yourself mentally to fight Fulton again. But that’s not the case? Inoue: Not really. There are some different elements from the last time, such as “126 pounds” and “Las Vegas.” I think the result would have been similar even if the first fight had been in the U.S. However, I think Fulton is probably better suited for featherweight, so I think it will be an interesting fight in that sense.
about going any higher than that.
Ring: There are some voices in the U.S. calling for a fight with [115-pound Ring/WBC champion] Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. What do you think of him? Inoue: I think he’s a good fighter. I’m pushing myself a little bit to move up to junior featherweight, but I don’t think my frame is that different from his. I think a fight isn’t impossible at all. It depends on the timing, and I’m not waiting for Rodriguez to move up.
Ring: You mentioned that it’s important for you to perform at your best. You feel that featherweight is the limit to build a physique that you’re satisfied with. Inoue: For me, featherweight is already too big, and I think 122 pounds is suitable. That said, when I was at 118 pounds, I said “bantamweight is best for me.” But now, junior
featherweight is comfortable, so I don’t know what will happen if I move up to featherweight. But that’s what I’m thinking right now. Ring: You’re still performing at an extremely high level, but is the end in your sight?
Ring: If Rodriguez moves up to 122 pounds, there’s a possibility that you could fight him? Inoue: I definitely think he’ll be one of the candidates. I don’t think it’s a fantasy.
“Boxing is a deep sport, so I still feel like I’m discovering new things.”
Ring: He’s still young, but what makes him so good?
Inoue: I will be 32 in April. I don’t feel any decline in my physical strength or performance yet, but I’m sure that someday that day will come. I have to plan my training and fights with that in my mind. As a human being, I’m sure I will inevitably decline, so I think it’s important to prepare and to know myself. Ring: Some fighters fight until they’re worn out, while others stop at the top. Do you prefer to finish your career at the top? How many more years do you think you’ll be an active fighter? Inoue: I want to close my fighting career when the time is right. I think I have about three years left, including this year. Ring: Has your desire to be involved in boxing even after your retirement changed? Inoue: My desire to carry on what Mr. Ohashi built hasn’t changed. Mr. Ohashi doesn’t have any children. I’d like to hear what he wants to do with Ohashi Gym and Promotions, but when I told him when we had dinner that I wanted to take it over, he looked so happy.
Inoue: He has a very good sense of distance. He’s not a particularly powerful puncher, and I wouldn’t say he’s extremely fast. I like his movement and the way he punches with good timing, and I get the impression that he knows how to create the best distance for himself. I’ve only seen him fight against Juan Estrada, but I was impressed. Ring: Looking at the current featherweight division, who do you know? Inoue: Wouldn’t it be exciting to have the rematch with Fulton in Las Vegas? Fulton came to Japan for the previous fight. With that background, I think it would be an interesting idea for me to go to Vegas and challenge Fulton again at featherweight.
Ring: What about WBO titleholder Rafael Espinoza? Inoue: I’ve only watched Espinoza’s fight against Robeisy Ramirez. His height is impressive. I saw him only once, so I can’t say for sure, but I think he’s using his size as a weapon. Ring: I’ve asked you this before, but is featherweight your ceiling? Inoue: Yes, featherweight is my limit. I’m not interested in going any higher. If I were over 170 cm (5-foot- 7) tall, it would be different, but there is a limit to how much of a body I can build, frame-wise. Even at junior featherweight, I’m building muscle one by one, building up my physique and taking on the challenge. I haven’t even tried featherweight yet, so I can’t think
Ring: Since you had an almost flawless win, I thought it might be difficult to
Heavily muscled at 122 pounds, Inoue insists that featherweight will be his final division.
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