Eight-weight world champion, Manny Pacquiao, has drawn comparison between himself and four weight world champion Naoya Inoue and want’s to help the Japanese sensation progress up the weight’s even further.
Inoue, who has held titles at light-fly, super-fly before becoming undisputed bantamweight world champion in 2022, defeated the WBC & WBO world bantamweight champion, Stephen Fulton last month.
Inoue delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career in defeating Fulton, who has competed at 122lbs for the length of his career. Inoue dominated from the outset of the contest and securing an eighth round stoppage over Fulton, dismissing any suggestions that the 122lb weight division might be a step too far.
However, such dominance has triggered suggestions from many within the industry that Inoue could push-up through the weight divisions and challenge the likes of Gervonta Davis. Shopwtime’s Stephen Espinoza, suggested and touted the possibility of him wanting to see if Inoue would be interesting in stepping up several more weight classes and face Gervonta Davis.
However, Inoue post fight against Fulton automatically turned his attention towards Marlon Tapales. Tapales holds the IBF & WBA world titles with Inoue seeking to become a two-time undisputed champion within twelve months after achieving that goal in December of 2022.
Pacquiao spoke of his desire to work personally with Inoue and assist and guide him through the weight divisions, if Inoue wishes to do so.
“I like Naoya,” Pacquiao told Little Giant Boxing. “Before he became [multi-weight champion] I teach him in Japan. Naoya, he’s thinking of moving up in weight divisions. I hope I can teach him and supervise his workout and training.
“I want to train him and supervise his training if he wants to move up to higher weight divisions.”
Of Inoue’s latest performance, Pacquiao was ecstatic.
“Fantastic,” Pacquiao said. “It was a good performance: fast, quick, strong. Congratulations on your last fight and keep up the good work.”
