Naoya Inoue Crowned MVP for Record-Breaking Eighth Consecutive Year

Tokyo, Japan – February 18, 2026 – Naoya Inoue, the Japanese boxing sensation, has once again cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. At the “JAPAN BOXING AWARDS 2025” ceremony held on February 17th at the Tokyo Dome Hotel, Inoue was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year, marking his ninth overall win. This achievement underscores his continued dominance and solidifies his position as a leading pound-for-pound boxer globally.

Unprecedented Recognition

Inoue’s ninth MVP award recognizes his exceptional performance as the undisputed super bantamweight champion. He has successfully defended his titles against formidable opponents, maintaining his undefeated record and showcasing his remarkable knockout power. According to Boxing News Japan, Inoue delivered an acceptance speech expressing his commitment to his next challenge.

Looking Ahead: Bout with Junto Nakatani

During his acceptance speech, Inoue announced his upcoming bout against Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome in May. He appealed to fans to witness their “courage in the ring,” signaling a highly anticipated matchup. Inoue revealed he has been eyeing Nakatani as his next opponent since his recent fight in Saudi Arabia. Boxing News Japan reports that there was no direct conversation between the two fighters at the ceremony, indicating both are already focused on preparation.

Other Award Recipients

The Japan Boxing Awards 2025 also recognized other outstanding achievements in the Japanese boxing scene:

• Technique Award: Takuma Inoue, Junto Nakatani
• Outstanding Performance Award: Seiya Tsutsumi
• Effort & Fighting Spirit Award: Tomoya Tsuboi
• KO of the Year: Masamichi Yabuki (vs. Alvarado)
• Rookie of the Year: Ryosuke Takami
• Fight of the Year: Kenshiro Teraji vs. Seigo Yuri Akui (WBC and WBA Flyweight world unification bout)
• Fight of the Year (Non-World Title): Ryosuke Takami vs. Toshiki Kawamitsu; Reo Saito vs. Kai Watanabe
• Women’s Most Valuable Player: Mizuki Hiruta
• Women’s Fight of the Year: Yuko Kuroki vs. Nanako Suzuki

A Legacy of Championship Titles

Naoya Inoue, born April 10, 1993, has held world championships in four different weight classes, including light flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight. Wikipedia details his impressive career, noting he is one of only three male boxers in history to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the “four-belt era.” Known as “The Monster” (怪物 Kaibutsu), Inoue boasts a knockout-to-win percentage of 84.375%.

Trainer of the Year

The ceremony also honored Shingo Inoue, Naoya and Takuma Inoue’s father, with the Trainer of the Year award, recognizing his significant contribution to the success of both his sons.

With his continued success and upcoming challenge against Junto Nakatani, Naoya Inoue is poised to further solidify his place as a boxing icon.