Naoya Inoue vs Alan Picasso for May 4 might be scrapped, Inoue has three choices for a replacement.

[famicommander]

i cant imagine innoue fighting doheny(who wont win) or fulton again. it was too much of a domination. if fulton does become the #1 guy at 126 i dont see a point in that fight for innoue since he already beat him so easily. hopefully someone else emerges as the clear top guy like ball, leo, or espinoza, no offense to fulton

Fulton beat Leo rather easily the first time around, though Leo seems improved since then.

I don't expect Doheny to beat Ball. Doheny hasn't had a big win in several years and Ball is much fresher. But Ball does get hit a lot and Doheny can crack, so I can't entirely discount the possibility. Guys who fight like Ball tend to get old overnight, like the Figueroa brothers both did.

Espinoza is the least known quantity of the bunch, but he sure looked good dismantling Ramirez last time out.

I think Inoue will fight the belt holders regardless of who they are. If it's somehow Fulton and Doheny again, that just validates his 122 run even more.

[Jsmooth9876]

Inoue vs MJ

Get it fughin done already

Shut many of these posters up once Inoue destroys MJ proving he ain’t all that

That wasn't already proven when he lost to Tapales?

[famicommander]

That wasn't already proven when he lost to Tapales?

I had him losing the Danny Roman fight, to be quite honest.

[MulaKO]

That wasn't already proven when he lost to Tapales?

Imo , yes definitely but then why so many are still crying here ???
Might as well just get it over with plus it’s the best fight that can be made atm

[Malvado]

Both of those are better fights than Inoue vs Picasso, so this is fantastic news.

I agree, personally don't think that MJ's loss in his resume reflects his ability in the ring. He is a quality fighter and a big 122 pounder that had a title belt in 8th fights. Tapales's stylistically just had his number with his long overhands and hooks. The Filipino won decidedly however as he was almost done dirty against the Matchroom promoted fighter, being that said styles makes fights, Akhmadaliev has punching power and refined technical skill, he is also a southpaw like Tapales/Nery. Also had beaten the likes of Daniel Roman, Ronny Rios and Ryosuke Iwasa who had stopped Tapales himself. If he were to fight Tapales now he win and decidedly too after getting experience and tested his opponent.

Think Naoya Inoue beats him dominantly and by KO 7-10 rounds, but Murodjon has those impressive qualities like his granite chin and athletic ability that says he is a dangerous fighter. Might go the distance or there might be some shaky moments. Inoue isn't no ducker though and will display levels.

Cardenas is also better tested and more experienced than Picasso who only fought an inactive Azat, Ramon beat Israel Rodriguez (30-5) and Bryan Acosta (20-0), he quite struggled with Bryan, but he resurged after the knockdown, he is a solid top 5 fighter in the division. Credible opponent to stay fresh while different opportunity opens up.

Picasso is also a part time boxer, nothing bad about settling on becoming very financially successful with a future outside the sport. But the halfhearted commitment to fight one of the best P4P fighters today whose dead set on fighting the best available is a horrible idea. A renowned puncher with a big KO streak and lot more championship rounds under his belts. It doesn't help that he doesn't have the right tutelage either, under Erik Morales who although a phenomenal fighter (at 122 he had a streak wins over Zaragoza, Junior Jones, McCullough, Barrera and etc.) isn't a great trainer.

Munguia also heavily struggled cutting weight with him, but under Freddie Roach he looked quite more healthy and if he made 160 he wouldn't pass out. Skill wise he was also more well-rounded. As Jaime's managed distance and used a more consistent guard to avoid punches while capitalizing in openings, Morales tried to make slip through punches more often, but the way he slipped and parried punches was more reflex based which varies person to person.

[TheProudLunatic]

Some "Monster"............

[The Big Dunn]

I wondered how ESPN ending the partnership with TR would impact the quality of the opponent Inoue fought in America.

If it in anyway led to this Picasso BS being cancelled- I am happy.

IMO. They should make the Akhmadaliev fight. A tough fight where Inoue can prove all the naysayers wrong and show how great he is.