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Saturday, January 25, 2025

Liverpool vs Ipswich Town Live Streaming Guide

 

Live Streaming Link are Below


Watch Match Build up Below

Liverpool vs Ipswich Town Live Streaming Guide: How to Watch Today’s Premier League Match

The Premier League serves up another thrilling encounter as Liverpool hosts Ipswich Town at Anfield. Whether you're a die-hard Liverpool fan, an Ipswich Town loyalist, or just a football enthusiast looking to catch the action, this guide will help you navigate all your live streaming and TV viewing options. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of how to watch the game, team news, kick-off time, and more.


Watch Previous Match Highlights Between Both Teams

Match Overview: Liverpool vs Ipswich Town

Liverpool will be eager to secure their first Premier League home victory of 2025 as they take on Ipswich Town, a team struggling to climb out of the relegation zone. After a dominant 2-1 win against Lille in European competition, Liverpool is riding high on confidence. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town, having faced heavy defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City, hopes to turn their fortunes around in this challenging away fixture.

Let’s dive into the details of this match and how you can catch it live.


Kick-Off Time and Venue

  • Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025

  • Kick-Off Time: 3:00 PM GMT

  • Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Anfield’s roaring atmosphere is set to be a fortress for Liverpool as they host Ipswich Town. Fans worldwide will want to tune in to see if Liverpool can capitalize on their home advantage or if Ipswich can pull off a stunning upset.


Watch Press Conference for the Match

How to Watch Liverpool vs Ipswich Town Live

Depending on your location, you’ll have various options to watch the match live. Here’s a breakdown by region:

United Kingdom

Unfortunately, due to the 3 PM blackout rule, the Liverpool vs Ipswich Town game will not be broadcast live in the UK. However, highlights will be available post-match on platforms like Sky Sports and BBC’s Match of the Day.

United States

  • Streaming Service: Peacock Premium

  • Availability: Exclusive live streaming
    Peacock Premium subscribers can enjoy live coverage of the match. The platform also offers pre-match and post-match analysis, making it a comprehensive destination for fans.

Australia

  • Streaming Service: Optus Sport
    Football enthusiasts in Australia can watch the game live on Optus Sport, which is the go-to platform for Premier League coverage in the region.

Canada

  • Streaming Service: Fubo
    Fubo Canada provides an easy way to stream Premier League matches, including Liverpool vs Ipswich Town.

France

  • TV Channels: myCANAL, Canal+ Live 7
    Fans in France can tune into Canal+ to catch all the action live.

India

  • Streaming Service: Disney+ Hotstar
    Premier League fans in India can stream the match live through Disney+ Hotstar, with both English and regional commentary options available.

Spain

  • Streaming Services: DAZN, Movistar
    DAZN and Movistar will provide live coverage of the match in Spain.

Saudi Arabia

  • Streaming Service: beIN Sports
    beIN Sports ensures uninterrupted live coverage of the Premier League in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia.

Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

  • Streaming Service: Viaplay
    Viaplay caters to football fans in these European countries with live streaming of Premier League games.

South Africa

  • Streaming Services: SuperSport, DStv
    South African fans can catch the game live on SuperSport or through the DStv app.


Team News

Liverpool

Liverpool enters this game with a near full-strength squad. Key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker are expected to feature. Manager Jürgen Klopp’s tactical brilliance will likely play a vital role in ensuring a dominant performance.

Injuries:

  • Thiago Alcântara (doubtful)

  • Curtis Jones (doubtful)

Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town has struggled with consistency and defensive woes. Manager Kieran McKenna may rely on a defensive setup to frustrate Liverpool’s attacking prowess. Striker Freddie Ladapo and midfielder Sam Morsy will be crucial for Ipswich’s counter-attacking opportunities.

Injuries:

  • George Hirst (doubtful)

  • Luke Woolfenden (doubtful)


Key Players to Watch

Liverpool

  • Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian King remains Liverpool’s talisman, known for his clinical finishing and relentless energy.

  • Darwin Núñez: A rising star, Núñez’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability can dismantle any defense.

  • Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool’s creative full-back will aim to deliver pinpoint crosses and dominate set-piece situations.

Ipswich Town

  • Freddie Ladapo: The striker is capable of converting half-chances into goals, making him a key player for Ipswich.

  • Sam Morsy: A dynamic midfielder, Morsy’s energy and defensive work rate will be essential in controlling Liverpool’s attacking threats.


Tactical Analysis

Liverpool’s Strategy

Liverpool will likely adopt their trademark high-pressing, possession-based style under Klopp. The attacking trio of Salah, Núñez, and Luis Díaz will aim to exploit Ipswich’s defensive frailties. Expect Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson to bombard forward, creating overloads on the flanks.

Ipswich’s Strategy

Ipswich will probably sit deep and rely on quick counter-attacks. Their midfield will need to remain compact to deny Liverpool space. Freddie Ladapo’s pace could prove vital in capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities.


Why This Match Matters

For Liverpool

  • Strengthening their Premier League title bid.

  • Building momentum after their European success.

  • Maintaining their unbeaten run at Anfield in 2025.

For Ipswich Town

  • Fighting to climb out of the relegation zone.

  • Gaining confidence after a series of heavy defeats.

  • Showcasing resilience against a top-tier team.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Liverpool vs Ipswich Town for free?

Most official broadcasters require a subscription, but some may offer free trials. Check your region’s streaming services for potential free options.

What if the match isn’t available in my country?

Consider using a VPN to access streaming services from another region. Ensure the VPN you choose is reliable and fast for uninterrupted streaming.

Are there other ways to follow the match?

Yes, you can follow live commentary on radio or text updates on platforms like BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and the Premier League’s official website.


Conclusion

Liverpool vs Ipswich Town promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. While Liverpool seeks to dominate at Anfield, Ipswich Town will aim to defy the odds and secure a crucial result. With multiple live streaming and TV options available globally, fans won’t miss a moment of the action.

Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare for an exhilarating 90 minutes of football. Who will come out on top? Tune in to find out!

Aston Villa Women vs Manchester City Women Live Streaming Guide



Watch This Live Match Below




Watch Last Match Between both These Teams Below

 

Aston Villa Women vs Manchester City Women: A Thrilling Women's Super League Clash at Villa Park

Date: Saturday, 25th January 2025
Kickoff: 12:00 PM GMT
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham

The Women's Super League (WSL) has consistently showcased some of the most exhilarating football encounters, and the clash between Aston Villa Women and Manchester City Women promises to be no exception. Scheduled for a 12:00 PM kickoff on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, at the iconic Villa Park, this showdown is set to captivate football fans around the globe.

Aston Villa Women: Building Momentum

Aston Villa Women have steadily climbed the ranks in the WSL, establishing themselves as a competitive force. Under the astute management of Carla Ward, the Villans have transformed into a well-drilled unit capable of challenging the league's top sides. With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, Aston Villa's squad is a testament to their ambition.

Key Players to Watch

  1. Rachel Daly: The prolific striker and England international has been a revelation for Aston Villa. Her goal-scoring exploits have made her one of the most feared forwards in the league. Daly’s ability to find the net consistently will be pivotal against Manchester City.

  2. Kenza Dali: The midfield maestro has been instrumental in dictating Villa’s tempo. Her vision, creativity, and knack for delivering crucial passes make her a player to keep an eye on.

  3. Anna Patten: On loan from Arsenal, Patten’s defensive solidity has bolstered Villa’s backline. Her presence in defense will be crucial in containing City’s potent attack.

Recent Form

Aston Villa have shown resilience in their recent outings, with a string of commendable performances. Their ability to balance defensive organization with attacking flair has earned them points against tough opponents. However, consistency remains a challenge as they aim to break into the league’s upper echelon.

Manchester City Women: Title Contenders

Manchester City Women, a perennial powerhouse in the WSL, are once again in the hunt for the league title. Managed by Gareth Taylor, City boast a squad brimming with world-class talent and depth. With aspirations of domestic and European glory, every match is a must-win for the Sky Blues.

Key Players to Watch

  1. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw: The Jamaican striker is in scintillating form, leading City’s attack with her strength, pace, and clinical finishing. Shaw’s goal-scoring prowess makes her a constant threat.

  2. Lauren Hemp: The dynamic winger’s ability to terrorize defenses with her dribbling and crossing is a vital asset for City. Hemp’s link-up play with Shaw could be decisive.

  3. Alex Greenwood: A stalwart in defense, Greenwood’s leadership and distribution from the back are integral to City’s build-up play. Her set-piece expertise could also come into play.

Recent Form

Manchester City have been in imperious form, brushing aside opponents with ease. Their attacking dominance, coupled with a solid defensive structure, has made them one of the most formidable sides in the league. However, away games can sometimes pose challenges, and Villa Park is never an easy venue.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Manchester City Women have held the upper hand in meetings with Aston Villa Women. The Sky Blues’ superior squad depth and experience have often proved decisive. However, Aston Villa have shown they can rise to the occasion, particularly in high-stakes matches.

Tactical Battle

This match is likely to be a fascinating tactical contest.

  • Aston Villa’s Approach: Villa will aim to frustrate City with a compact defensive shape while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Rachel Daly’s ability to capitalize on half-chances could be key, supported by Kenza Dali’s creativity in midfield.

  • Manchester City’s Strategy: City are expected to dominate possession and press high up the pitch. Their fluid attacking play, spearheaded by Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp, will look to break down Villa’s defense.

Sky Bet Odds

  • Aston Villa Women: 15/4

  • Draw: 16/5

  • Manchester City Women: 4/7

The odds reflect City’s status as favorites, but Aston Villa’s home advantage and fighting spirit could make this a closer contest than anticipated.

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action. Alternatively, a NOW Sports Membership offers a flexible way to tune in.

Predictions and Key Insights

While Manchester City Women enter the match as favorites, Aston Villa Women have the potential to pull off an upset. Here are some factors that could influence the outcome:

  1. Home Advantage: Villa Park’s atmosphere could spur the home side to a spirited performance.

  2. Key Battles: The duel between Rachel Daly and Alex Greenwood could be pivotal. Similarly, Villa’s defense will need to contain Bunny Shaw.

  3. Tactical Adaptability: Both managers’ ability to make in-game adjustments could prove decisive.

Final Thoughts

The Aston Villa Women vs. Manchester City Women clash promises to be a showcase of talent, determination, and tactical acumen. As both teams vie for crucial points, fans can expect an enthralling encounter filled with drama and excitement. Whether it’s Villa’s resilience or City’s attacking prowess that prevails, one thing is certain: this match will be a highlight of the Women’s Super League season.

Don’t miss the action this Saturday at Villa Park. Let the games begin!

Friday, January 24, 2025

WWE SmackDown Live Streaming Guide, Highlights, and Results: January 24, 2025

 



Live Streaming Links are below

WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights Before SNME XXXVIII


    SmackDown.
    SmackDown.WWE

    Welcome to Zazi TV's live coverage of WWE SmackDown before this weekend's Saturday Night's Main Event.

    The three-hour episode had a lot of time to fill, but WWE only advertised a couple of segments for the show before it began, so a lot of what we saw was a surprise.

    Here is a look at what WWE hyped before the show:

    • LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga
    • Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly

    Let's take a look at everything that happened on Friday's SmackDown.

Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly

1 OF 8

    SmackDown.
    SmackDown. WWE

    SmackDown started with Cody Rhodes coming to the ring for an interview with Joe Tessitore. He talked about his match against Owens at this week's Saturday Night's Main Event.

    The segment ended without interruption or attack, so we moved right onto the tag match with the team of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley taking on Kit Wilson and Elton Prince.

    While Pretty Deadly is not known as a powerhouse team, both men are deceptively big, and when you see them next to two guys the size of Sabin and Shelley, they look like beasts.

    MCMG used speed and agility while Wilson and Prince used their size advantage to overpower their opponents whenever possible.

    Pretty Deadly got in a lot of offense and almost won with a double-team bulldog maneuver that looked great, but MCMG made a comeback and scored the win with Skull and Crossbones.

    This was a fun and well-paced match. Pretty Deadly looked better than they have in quite some time in the ring.

    Result: MCMG defeated Pretty Deadly

    Grade: B+


    Notable Moments and Observations

    • Rhodes did a great job putting KO over in his interview. He called him a once-in-a-generation talent, which is true. 
    • The way Sabin hit the ring post looked brutal. 
    • The bulldog move Pretty Deadly used should be their finisher. 

B-fab and Michin vs. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven

2 OF 8

    Owens came to the ring and cut a promo about everybody sucking up to Rhodes, but Jimmy Uso came out and ended up attacking him to shut him up.

    After a break, Carmelo Hayes was shown complaining to Nick Aldis about his match being canceled, so the GM offered him a new opponent who was just drafted to SmackDown. Hayes said he would wait to see who it was before accepting.

    Up next was a tag match with B-Fab and Michin taking on Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Green was Michin's main focus throughout the match since they have been in a feud for several weeks, but Niven and B-Fab weren't left out.

    This ended up being a pretty short match that ended with Michin getting the pin on Green. There wasn't much here to like or criticize, so it was basically filler until the next singles match in this feud.

    Result: B-Fab and Michin defeated Green and Niven

    Grade: C-


    Notable Moments and Observations

    • The video package for Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu was awesome. 
    • Owens antagonizing Matthew McConaughey was hilarious. 
    • Barrett made a big deal out of how long B-Fab's legs are, which is fair because they are pretty long due to her height. 
    • Damian Preist was the talent Aldis drafted that Hayes was booked to face later in the show. 

Jax, LeRae and Morgan vs. Ripley, Naomi and Belair

3 OF 8

    Tiffany Stratton came out to give a promo that was quickly interrupted by Rhea Ripley. They were soon joined by Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, who were followed by Naomi and Bianca Belair, who were followed by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. It was basically just everyone saying they would win the Royal Rumble.

    When we returned from a break, Jax, LeRae and Morgan were taking on Belair, Naomi and Ripley in a six-woman match.

    This was the usual WWE-style setup for a multi-person match. Everyone had a little time on defense and everyone spent a little time selling for somebody else.

    The bout lasted through a break into the next segment, so the women were on screen for a long time between the match and the talking segment.

    While most of what we saw looked good on a technical level, there was no sense of urgency in this match. It felt like they were just going through the motions at times instead of the chaotic feel we expect from a match with this many people in and out of the ring.

    It didn't really pick up until the final couple of minutes when Ripley got the hot tag and started taking out everyone, but in the end, Morgan stole the win by pinning Belair.

    Result: Jax, LeRae and Morgan defeated Ripley, Belair and Naomi

    Grade: C+


    Notable Moments and Observations

    • The video package for Charlotte Flair's return was good but it's hard to tell if WWE wants her to be a babyface of heel when she returns. 
    • Jax popped the crowd by trading insults with a fan. 
    • Morgan getting the win was a good call because it feels like she has had the least to do in recent weeks. 

Apollo Crews vs. Johnny Gargano

4 OF 8

    Apollo Crews and Johnny Gargano had a singles match this week after Crews insulted DIY backstage in a previous segment.

    Crews hasn't been on TV much since his team with the former Baron Corbin was disbanded following his release, so it was nice to see him get some ring time this week.

    He and Gargano are both capable performers who can work at a brisk pace and wrestle multiple styles, so we got a little bit of everything in this bout.

    Even though Tommaso Ciampa interfered, Crews was able to get the pin with a rollup in what is easily the most surprising result of the night.

    This was a fun little sprint, but if they had more time, it would have stolen the show.

    Result: Crews defeated Gargano

    Grade: B


    Notable Moments and Observations

    • Crews hitting a gorilla press slam followed by a moonsault is a perfect combo for him because it combines his strength and agility. 
    • Ciampa's running knee outside the ring looked great. 

Tama Tonga vs. LA Knight

5 OF 8

    The next match was one of the two WWE advertised before the show took place. Knight took on Tonga, but Fatu was at Tama's side.

    Knight gave a quick promo before the match to mock his opponents before they began fighting. This wasn't a match about trading technical submissions and counters. They were throwing fists as soon as they made contact.

    The fight spilled out of the ring almost immediately and saw both men use the barricade to inflict some punishment.

    This was a hard-fought contest that sold the aggression their characters feel for each other. Fatu remained an intimidating presence at ringside but he almost looked unimpressed with Knight instead of his usual shade of anger.

    He almost cost Knight the match but his distraction failed. The Megastar hit the BFT for the pin and the win. Strowman came out to even the odds when Fatu attacked Knight after the match.

    Result: Knight defeated Tonga

    Grade: B


    Notable Moments and Observations

    • Tonga opted to work shirtless instead of using his usual gear this week. He's in really good shape so it's surprising he doesn't do it more often. 
    • Tonga's walk across the barricade to hit a clothesline was cool but he looked a little unsure of himself. 
    • Watching Fatu manhandle someone will never stop being entertaining. 

Damian Priest vs. Carmelo Hayes

6 OF 8

    Hayes and Priest were booked into a singles match by Aldis during an earlier segment. Melo tried to look confident while also looking a little scared of his opponent.

    The Archer of Infamy had the upper hand early, but Hayes took control at ringside as the show went to a break.

    They paced this match a little slower than expected, but they did it in a way that made sense. Every big move felt more important instead of things only being sold for a split second.

    Hayes came close a couple of times, but Priest wasn't about to lose his SmackDown debut. He picked up the win with South of Heaven.

    Result: Priest defeated Hayes

    Grade: B


    Notable Moments and Observations

    • Austin Theory and Grayson Waller were told they were drafted to Raw in a backstage segment. 
    • Hayes sold the chokeslam well. 

Kevin Owens vs. Jimmy Uso

7 OF 8

    This week's main event saw Jimmy Uso and Owens do battle after getting into a fight earlier in the evening. Uso was Hayes' planned opponent, so that is why he ended up facing Priest.

    Hayes felt insulted by Uso during a moment backstage and attacked him during his entrance. Officials broke it up, so Jimmy continued his way to the ring.

    The Prize Fighter had the upper hand for a few minutes and talked a lot of trash to both his opponent and the crowd.

    These two know each other well and are veteran performers, so it would almost be hard for them to have a bad match, but that doesn't mean this was a Match of the Year candidate either.

    They had a nice back-and-forth encounter with a few standout moments, especially in the second half. Owens hit the Popup Powerbomb for the win and Rhodes showed up shortly after to initiate a brawl.

    Result: Owens defeated Uso

    Grade: B+


    Notable Moments and Observations

    • The camera caught a shot of Hayes following Uso before his entrance. It was hard to tell if it was planned or not. 
    • KO wore a Naomi shirt to the ring. Owens said Jimmy shouldn't be mad since he would get some of the money from the shirt. 
    • Owens is really good at taking the knees to the back during a senton. He always sells it like the most painful thing in the world. 

The Final Word

8 OF 8

    Three hours of SmackDown is already starting to feel like a bad decision on WWE's part, but it's hard to complain about getting more of a thing you enjoy sometimes.

    This week's show had a lot of decent matches, but the tag match between Pretty Deadly and MCMG was the best by a small margin.

    While SNME was mentioned several times, it doesn't feel nearly as important as the last one, so WWE is clearly already thinking past it to the Royal Rumble next weekend.

    WWE is a well-oiled machine with a near-flawless production and presentation, but sometimes it rests on its laurels a bit too much. It hasn't felt like very many episodes of any WWE show have been must-see TV lately, so hopefully that changes as WrestleMania season heats up.

    Grade: C+

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim Live Streaming Guide

 

Live Streaming Link are Below

Watch Weigh-in Highlights Below

Inoue vs. Kim fight: Date, time and streaming

  • Date: Jan. 24, 2025
  • Location: Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan
  • Main card start time: 4:15 a.m. ET
  • Inoue vs. Kim ring walk (approximately): 5:45 a.m. ET 
  • Streaming: ESPN+

Inoue vs. Kim fight card

  • Main event: Inoue vs. Kim
  •  Co-Main Event: Jin Sasaki (18-1-1) and Shoki Saka (29-14-3)
  • Goki Kobayashi (8-1) vs. Yuni Takada (15-8-3)
  • Tsubasa Narai (14-2) vs. Kai Watanabe (13-1-1)
  • Toshiki Shimomachi (19-1-3) vs. Misaki Hirano (11-1)

Undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue's fight against Sam Goodman has been rescheduled for Jan. 24 in Tokyo, Inoue announced on social media late Friday night.

The fight was originally scheduled for Dec. 24 but was pushed back after Goodman suffered a serious cut over his left eye. It is set to be streamed on ESPN+ the morning of Jan. 24 in the U.S.

A major star in Japan, Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) sold out the Tokyo Dome in May when he knocked out Luis Nery with 50,000-plus in attendance. In September, Inoue retained his four 122-pound belts with a seventh-round TKO of TJ Doheny, who is also from Australia.

Inoue, ESPN's No. 3 pound-for-pound boxer, was a -2000 favorite to defeat Goodman, according to ESPN BET. Inoue is already an all-time great, a four-division champion who has dominated every weight class he has reigned in.

Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs), 25, is ESPN's No. 4 junior featherweight and has proved his mettle in wins over fellow contenders Ra'eese Aleem and Doheny. He is coming off a July decision win over Thai fringe contender Thachtana Luangphon.

Inoue will be making the third defense of his undisputed championship and will fulfill another mandatory obligation. The 31-year-old will still owe a mandatory defense afterward against Uzbekistan's Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

Inoue, a future Hall of Famer, hasn't competed in the U.S. since June 2021, but there are plans for him to return for a stateside fight in 2025.

Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed super bantamweight title for the third time, this time against Korean challenger Ye Joon Kim, on Friday at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) was originally scheduled to fight Australian boxer Sam Goodman on Dec. 24, but the bout was pushed back to late January after Goodman suffered a serious cut over his eye. Goodman withdrew from the fight entirely on Jan. 10 after reaggravating the cut during a sparring session. Goodman was replaced by Kim (21-2-2, 13 KOs).

"I was running and I got a phone call. They notified me two weeks ago (that) you could fight Naoya Inoue," Kim recalled. "I’ve been training for Inoue. I’m always training right. My training is suited towards fighting Inoue. I’m different to all the boxers before me. It's my time. I'll crush him." 

Although Inoue said he was "very surprised" by Goodman pulling out, the undisputed super bantamweight champion said he "can deal with any kind of opponent" as his WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine titles are on the line. Inoue added, "The fight was changed 10 days ago, but I have 25 years of boxing experience." Both Inoue and Kim weighed in at 121.75 pounds on Thursday ahead of the bout. Here's what you need to know for Friday:

When does Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim start?

The main card kicks off at 4:15 a.m. ET with a 12-round, co-main event featuring Jin Sasaki and Shoki Saka for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) welterweight title and the WBO Asia Pacific welterweight title. The main event between Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim is scheduled to follow, with ring walks expected at approximately 5:45 a.m. ET. (Start times vary depending on the duration of the previous fights on the card.)

How to stream Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim?

Inoue's title defense against Kim will be streamed live on ESPN+ at no additional cost to subscribers.

South Korea's Kim Ye-joon (right) and Japan's Naoya Inoue (left) pose during the official weigh-in ahead of their world super-bantamweight title boxing bout in Yokohama on Jan. 23, 2025.

Naoya Inoue, the world's best boxer fans rarely get to see fight

Goodman suffered a recurrence of the injury earlier this month that will sideline him for approximately six months due to plastic surgery. Kim stepped in on two weeks' notice.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) is a staggering -5000 favorite, per ESPN BET, and the fight is likely to produce yet another KO for "The Monster." There's a reason why dedicated boxing fans wake up in the early-morning hours to watch Inoue fight, even when the opponents present little threat: He's a generational talent who's must-see TV.

And while Inoue hasn't competed in the United States since 2021, that's expected to change in 2025. Inoue told ESPN earlier this month he plans to return to the U.S. for a fight in Las Vegas.

"I think I would like to fight at the MGM [Grand Garden Arena]," Inoue, 31, said via an interpreter.

According to Inoue, one opponent being discussed for that stateside return: Alan Picasso Romero. Mexico City's Picasso (31-0-1, 16 KOs) was No. 14 on ESPN's ranking of the top 25 boxers under 25 years old in November. The 24-year-old earned his best win in August when he scored a lopsided decision over former title challenger Azat Hovhannisyan.

With Picasso's growing following in Mexico and his propensity to throw with volume, he makes a lot of sense for Inoue's grand return. Picasso is rated No. 9 at 122 pounds by ESPN.

Inoue said he'd like to fight four times in 2025, and while that would be impressive activity for any boxer at his level, he is already one of the sport's busiest champions.

The last time Inoue competed four times in a calendar year: 2013. In 2020, he fought only once when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the sport. His last nontitle fight was also in 2013 as Inoue has dominated through four weight classes (junior flyweight, junior bantamweight, bantamweight and junior featherweight).

Yet he still remains somewhat of a mystery to many American boxing fans since he constantly fights in Japan at odd hours in the U.S. What makes Inoue special? Let's take a look:

Inoue has said he'll move up to 126 pounds at some point -- likely in 2026 -- and he'd then be just two weight classes apart from Davis. At 5-foot-5, Inoue is practically the same height, and they possess the same reach at 67½ inches. Davis formerly campaigned at 130 pounds, where he was a champion.

And that's the weight where this fight might actually be feasible. Stranger things have certainly happened in boxing. The Philippines' Manny Pacquiao, another Asian star who found immense popularity in the U.S., began his career at 108 pounds, like Inoue, and eventually fought Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds.

Pacquiao was a sizable underdog yet eviscerated De La Hoya in the fight that truly launched him to stardom.

And later this year, Terence Crawford (after only one fight at 154 pounds) is poised to climb two more weight classes for a showdown with Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds.

A Davis-Inoue fight, if it ever materializes, would be a megafight that would surely generate bonanza paydays for both fighters.


What other notable fights are out there for Inoue?

A fight with countryman Junto Nakatani, ESPN's No. 10 pound-for-pound boxer, might be the biggest fight in boxing-crazed Japan's history.

Nakatani, a three-division world champion, has impressed mightily in recent years and continues to dominate the 118-pound division. He's a powerful puncher, throws punches from all angles and owns tremendous size at 5-foot-8.

He might also be the only fighter around Inoue's weight whom some would pick to end Inoue's illustrious run. At 27, Nakatani continues to improve under the guidance of renowned trainer Rudy Hernandez in Los Angeles.

And whenever they do meet, the bout should easily sell out the Tokyo Dome. Just last year, Inoue packed 50,000-plus fans into the famed venue for a KO of Luis Nery. Inoue's fights are viewed by millions in Japan and he earns sizable guaranteed purses. That's why there's no need for him to fight in the U.S.

So when will this fight vs. Nakatani materialize? Inoue told ESPN he first wants to see Nakatani unify titles at 118 pounds. Currently, all four bantamweight titles are held by Japanese fighters, providing a road map for Nakatani, the WBC champ, to build his popularity.

"He's definitely improved his level in boxing," Inoue said of Nakatani, "but I still want to see something that is extremely impressive from him."

Another fighter who could someday face Inoue: Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez. The Mexican American has blasted through the opposition on his way to the No. 7 position in ESPN's pound-for-pound rankings.

"Bam" is currently a champion at 115 pounds, but perhaps the timing will work for him to move up to 122 pounds before Inoue jumps to 126.


What makes Inoue must-see TV?

Inoue's fights are routinely action-packed, even when there's one-way traffic in the ring. He has finished 17 of his 18 opponents. The only one who lasted the distance during that stretch: future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire.

Donaire broke Inoue's nose and orbital in the bout, which was named ESPN's 2019 fight of the year. Inoue won that fight via decision and left no doubt in the 2022 rematch with a second-round TKO.

Friday's fight will be Inoue's impressive 24th consecutive title defense. And no matter whom he fights, Inoue delivers entertainment. His skills are otherworldly as he uses perfect balance, elite footwork and top-notch punch placement to break opponents down and then finish them.

Perhaps his most impressive win came in 2023 when he dominated American Stephen Fulton in his first fight at 122 pounds. Many observers believed Fulton would present Inoue's toughest test, but Inoue dispensed with him over eight one-sided rounds.

The finishing sequence was a thing of beauty. Inoue jabbed Fulton to the body and followed up with a right cross to the head that wobbled him. A left hook sent Fulton, on unsteady legs, to the canvas. And when he regained his feet, a barrage left him in a heap in the corner.