If you lose, you have it, but if you win, you blow it. That seems to have become Naoya Inoue‘s predicament of sorts. Otherwise, explain why some fans would seethe with anger upon coming across the news of ‘The Monster’ going for a fight against a 37-year-old former world champion with four losses under his belt rather than face off against the much younger and still potent Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

According to information received at ESPN, after Luis Nery, the two-division undisputed champion might potentially go against the Irish challenger TJ Doheny on a September card. The update comes in the backdrop of the parallel reports of Inoue and IBF number 1 contender Sam Goodman lining up for a September clash. It might take some time until fans get a clear confirmation. But the latest development was enough to see some of them rolling up their sleeves to protest ‘MJ’s absences.

Naoya Inoue: Pass ‘MJ’ for ‘The Power’?

According to ESPN‘s Mike Coppinger, “Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship vs. TJ Doheny in September in Tokyo, sources tell ESPN.” It will be ‘the monster’s second title defense after he became the super bantamweight division’s undisputed champion last year.

As it appears, the Portlaoise, Ireland-born southpaw has fought the last three of his professional fights on Japanese soil, winning all three via technical knockouts. Perhaps that makes for a strong argument in his case. However, does that rule out a fight with Murodjon Akhmadaliev anyway?

Yes, it’s true he suffered his first professional loss to Marlon Tapales, the Philippine, whom Inoue knocked out to become the undisputed champion for the second time. However, with 75% of his wins coming through knockouts, the Uzbek warrior presents a formidable challenge. Last but not least, let’s not forget, it was a split decision loss to Tapales.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev is waiting for you, Naoya 

It is needless to say that the news has caused a commotion among quite a few followers. Given that Akhmadaliev has often called out the Japanese champion, claiming the latter has been avoiding him, it makes sense to give the WBA number 1 contender a chance. Let’s check out what a few of the fans had to say.

For instance, Naoya Inoue fighting a relatively unknown TJ Doheny is something this fan wasn’t looking forward to.

The next one went a step ahead and lambasted the Japanese icon for chasing low-risk opponents to further his career.

Even the following fan highlighted: there was no dearth of better challengers for Inoue. ‘MJ’ was more than willing for a dance, right?

Voicing out their unhappiness, this follower highlighted that Doheny might have held the IBF title in the past. But under no circumstances does it match ‘MJ’s current position in the 122-pound landscape.

The following fan seemed pretty clear about not watching the fight, if it came up. Highlighting the kind of fight it would be, they asked what the point was when Inoue would send the Irishman packing.

During the stir, one voice seemingly felt that there was nothing in the match with TJ Doheny. Once in a while, a top-tier athlete goes down in competition just to focus on their skills. Inoue had been through some names in his last few fights, wasn’t it?

The argument may continue both for and against Inoue’s decision, depending on how it turns out. What happens if he says yes to ‘MJ’? Will there be a clamor for him to step down to 115 pounds and face Jesse Rodriguez?

Perhaps it may not really be a turn for Murodjon Akhmadaliev yet. Perhaps Inoue can go after the Uzbek boxer once he’s done with the Irish challenge. But if one thinks from ‘MJ’s perspective, win or lose, a fight with ‘The Monster’ stands to change the Olympic bronze medalist’s career as well. So fans will have to wait and watch how things eventually unfold in the super bantamweight division.

What’s your take? Do you also believe that Inoue should go against ‘MJ’ first?