Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super bantamweight champion, has inked a monumental $19.7 million sponsorship deal with Riyadh Season, according to reports from Yahoo Japan. This lucrative agreement, brokered with the support of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, could mark a pivotal shift in Inoue’s career and where his future fights may take place.
Currently, Inoue is set to defend his undisputed titles against Sam Goodman on December 24 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. However, this new sponsorship deal opens up intriguing possibilities for the Japanese star. With Alalshikh’s backing, fights in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, may become a reality, potentially setting the stage for matchups against top-tier talent from the featherweight, super featherweight, and even lightweight divisions.
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Fans have long expressed a desire to see Inoue challenge himself against bigger names in the 126-, 130-, and 135-pound weight classes. This sponsorship could be the catalyst that facilitates such blockbuster bouts, positioning Inoue in the global spotlight and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in hosting high-profile boxing events.
While the immediate focus remains on his December defense, this new deal may signify more marquee fights ahead for “The Monster” on an international stage.
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