The Fighting Style of Naoya Inoue

 Boxing’s Most Efficient Hunting Machine.

Naoya "The Monster" Inoue has taken the boxing world by storm.

Currently ranked #3 pound for pound, Inoue’s relentlessness has earned him a reputation as one of the most feared fighters across all divisions.

Even Mike Tyson has referred to him as ‘a mean son of a b****.’

There is nothing flashy about Inoue's game; his dominance comes from a relentless + strategic approach to breaking down opponents.

Under the guidance of the trainers at Ohashi Gym, Inoue combines traditional fundamentals with modern techniques. In today’s article, we’ll explore the fighting style that earned him the nickname "The Monster."

How Does Naoya Inoue Train?

Naoya Inoue’s training regimen is rooted in traditional boxing methods, focusing heavily on repetition, precision, and power. 

Surprisingly, his punching power doesn’t come from weightlifting but rather from old-school techniques that emphasize the fundamentals.

Inoue begins his day with cardio, such as morning runs or sprints, often incorporating hill and stair runs to build explosive endurance. 

His gym sessions are where the real work happens — two-hour blocks filled with pad work, shadow boxing, heavy bag drills, and sparring. 

During Inoue’s training sessions, he prioritizes punch accuracy and footwork, often using the punch shield to practice his body shots.

A key to Inoue's success is his repetition. 

Drills like slipping punches and landing body shots are performed endlessly, perfecting his ability to execute them effortlessly in the ring. 

Strength exercises such as sledgehammer swings, battle ropes, and pull-ups help develop upper body power without compromising his speed.

You may be asking, should boxers be lifting weights? We cover that here.

Inoue’s Footwork & Distance Control.

Naoya Inoue’s footwork plays a crucial role in his dominance. 

His lateral movement and constant re-adjustments allow him to control the distance between himself and his opponent, making it difficult for them to find or create openings.

Even when he's facing pressure, Inoue’s quick steps ensure he remains out of danger while simultaneously positioning himself for a counterattack. 

His ability to create angles while moving just a few inches to the side has been a deciding factor in many of his fights. This subtle yet powerful footwork is essential in his strategy of both offense and defense. 

By continuously adjusting his stance and positioning, Inoue makes sure that he stays in control of the fight. If you’re a boxer, study and take notes.

Before you learn any combos, you must ensure your footwork is fundamentally sound - read our article here for our top 3 footwork drills.

Inoue’s Precision & Timing.

Inoue's strategy involves turning his opponents’ attacks to his advantage.

He uses a technique called "taking away the punch" to control the tempo of the match, moving out of reach while setting up for a counterattack.

Through his footwork, he subtly steps out of range or slips to the side just before a punch lands, by doing this Inoue neutralizes his opponent's offense while creating openings for his counter attacks.

This quick and calculated movement ensures that he rarely takes direct hits, maintaining his advantage even against aggressive fighters. 

Inoue’s timing and precision are what make his counterattacks so lethal.

One of Inoue's favorite counters is the check hook, which he sets up by baiting his opponent into reacting to his jab. Instead of retreating too far, he uses his sharp footwork to remain just within striking distance. 

This allows him to stay close enough to deliver a precise check hook.

As a boxer, to develop timing and precision, not only do you need to put in the work to be fundamentally sound -  but eventually you’ll need to find your own style of fighting, we cover this in-depth in this article.

Inoue’s Devastating Body Shots.

Naoya Inoue is known for his ability to break down opponents with relentless body shots. His precision has led to numerous KO victories.

Inoue frequently begins by using feints or head shots to lift his opponent’s guard, creating opportunities to strike their midsection.

One of his signature combinations involves a jab to the head, followed by a body cross aimed directly at the liver. This strategy keeps his opponents on edge, forcing them to constantly guess what combo is coming next.

As the fight progresses, this combination gradually wears his opponents down, both physically and mentally. Few fighters are able to consistently withstand the toll of these powerful and accurate body assaults.

In his latest fight in September 2024, Inoue added to his list of body-shot victories by defeating TJ Doheny with a vicious body assault in the seventh round. A series of hooks and body shots caused Doheny to wince and limp, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Inoue’s Close Range Mastery.

In close-range combat, Inoue truly shines. 

Unlike fighters who use clinching to slow the pace of a fight, Inoue stays active, using his forearms and elbows to control his opponent’s arms. 

This advanced tactical control called ‘framing’ creates openings for devastating uppercuts and hooks, which often lead to knockouts. 

Fighting at bantamweight, Inoue uses his body weight to maximize the impact of each punch. If you watch this video and close your eyes, you’d think a heavyweight fighter was dropping bombs.

Another key aspect of Inoue's close-range game is his seamless ability to transition from defense to offense. He masterfully parries punches with his glove while simultaneously preparing for a counterattack, allowing him to maintain pressure on his opponents without leaving himself exposed.

Rather than relying on flashy head movements or stepping out of range, Inoue makes subtle adjustments to avoid punches, keeping his balance and readiness to strike back at any moment.

Advanced Defensive Techniques:
Framing & Guard Manipulation.

While many fighters rely on trial and error to perfect their defensive tactics, Inoue incorporates advanced concepts directly into his training. 

As mentioned before, Inoue uses a tactic called ‘framing’ — using his forearms to control his opponent’s arms and head at close range.

This technique stops the opponent from returning to an upright posture and leaves them vulnerable to uppercuts and other attacks. 

Inoue also manipulates his opponent’s guard, knocking it aside with calculated bumps before landing a hard punch. These small adjustments allow him to create openings where none existed, turning even the most guarded fighter into an easy target.

What Is Naoya Inoue’s Record?

As of September 2024, Inoue holds an undefeated record of 28-0.

With an astonishing 25 of those victories coming by knockout. 

His dominance has been on full display in some of his most notable bouts, including his two fights against Nonito Donaire and his recent September 2024 victory over TJ Doheny, where he secured another knockout victory.

Who Is Naoya Inoue Fighting Next?

As for who Naoya Inoue is fighting next, formidable opponents in his weight class could include fighters like Ra'eese Aleem, Brandon Figueroa or Murodjon Akhmadaliev, all of who present exciting challenges.

However, the fight that has boxing fans buzzing is a potential blockbuster matchup against Gervonta "Tank" Davis.

This highly anticipated bout would require Inoue to move up to junior lightweight (130 lbs) to face Davis. A showdown of this magnitude could become one of the most talked-about events in boxing and further cement Inoue’s legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Given Naoya Inoue’s domination at super bantamweight, he may soon be forced to move up in weight, potentially sooner than his body is ready, in search of new challenges and bigger fights.

If You Liked This, You May Also Like…

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Zusammenfassung.

Inoue’s unique fighting approach combines quickness, precision, and unyielding intensity, making him one of the most feared fighters in boxing.

It was only last year (2023) when Inoue was ranked #1 pound-for-pound.

His relentless pursuit of knockouts and technical prowess make him one of the most exciting boxers to watch (and for us to study).

Legendary promoter Bob Arum has gone on record to say that Inoue is the “best fighter he’s ever seen” in his 60 years in the sport — in any weight. 

Some critics have questioned the validity of his choice of opponents, and while these concerns hold some weight, it’s important to remember that matchmaking falls largely on promoters. Despite this, Inoue’s exceptional skill and relentlessness continue to cement his place among boxing’s elite. 

Who do YOU want to see fight Inoue next? Let us know!

Want more boxing tips and news? Check out our full list of articles here.

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