Eight-division world championi and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has offered to train Naoya Inoue if the “Japanese Monster” decides to move up and challenge champions in the higher divisions.
It looks like there’s no way but up for Inoue after his impressive eight-round technical knockout win over American Stephen Fulton to claim the unified WBO and WBC super bantamweight titles.
Only Filipino Marlo Tapales separate Inoue from venturing into the lightweight class where he can pursue his fifth division crown.
Tapales, who holds the two other belts–WBA and IBF—in the 122-lb division, went up the ring after Inoue’s win and the two discussed about a possible match this year for the undisputed title.
When asked about his thoughts on Inoue’s performance, Pacquiao said he was fantastic.
“I would love to train him if he is considering moving up,” said the Filipino living legend.
“Inoue has great speed and lots of power behind his punches. He’s a special fighter,” said Pacquiao in a social media post.
Pacquiao set the perfect example for boxers wanting to move up in weight and become successful. He started his illustrious career as a flyweight king and became champion all the way to the super welterweight division.
The next boxing division at 126 lbs (featherweight) is dominated by four different champions, Robeisy Ramirez (WBO), Luis Alberto Lopez (IBF), Leigh Wood (WBA), and Rey Vargas (WBC).
This early, boxing fans are dropping the name of Tank Davis, the undisputed champion of the lightweight class (135), who can really match up against Inoue’s hands of stone.
But the 12-pound difference in weight is a big concern. And this is where Pacquiao can become a factor for Inoue.