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Boxing
Three potential opponents for Naoya Inoue after defeating TJ Doheny
Watch Brown vs. Bauza live September 6 on DAZN
Naoya Inoue retained his undisputed super bantamweight title on Tuesday when TJ Doheny was forced to pull out of the contest due to a back injury in the seventh round.
Inoue, who is one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters, was gaining control of the fight as it progressed, with a stoppage finish looking likely.
However, in the opening seconds of round seven, a three punch combination from Inoue had a significant impact on Doheny who signalled that he could not continue after clutching his side.
While this may not be the finish boxing fans were hoping for, it preserves Inoue's unbeaten 28-0 unbeaten record and keeps him at the top of pound-for-pound lists.
DAZN takes a look at three possible opponents for Inoue's next fight.
Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez
Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Following Inoue's victory over Doheny, his promoter Bob Arum teased an American fight date for "The Monster" in 2025.
When it comes to an opponent, two-weight world champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez appears to be a credible dance partner.
However, while Inoue vs. Rodriguez is a fantasy fight for fans, the main obstacle will be the weight which is chosen for the contest with Rodriguez competing in a lower weight division compared to Inoue.
Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Murodjon Akhmadaliev appeared to be on a collision course with Inoue, but this was derailed in April 2023 when the Uzbekistan fighter lost his IBF super bantamweight title to Marlon Tapales.
Akhamadliev bounced back from this defeat with a round eight stoppage victory the following December over Kevin Gonzalez and will be looking to quickly claim back the world title he lost.
However, with Akhamadaliev yet to fight in 2024, a meeting with Inoue could be a step too far without a warm-up before the year's end.
Sam Goodman
Matt King/Getty Images
There is a strong chance that Inoue will fight for a third time in 2024 and it will likely be against Sam Goodman.
Goodman is the mandatory challenger for Inoue's IBF super bantamweight title who boasts a 19-0 professional record (8 KOs).
A clash with Inoue would be a huge step up for Goodman, but if he does manage to somehow topple one of boxing's most fearsome punchers, his career will experience a huge meteoric rise.
Live on DAZN: Jose Zepeda vs. Ivan Redkach on September 6. Click here for details.
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