Devin Haney Set to Face Naoya Inuoe but Outside the Boxing Ring, Fans Pick Their Winner

If you were to pick the best fighter of the year, whom would you pick? Devin Haney or Naoya Inoue? As we look to close the year that has been quite monumental for both the fighters, it has now come to a point where they lead the running to become the ‘Fighter of the Year.’

Devin Haney won against Vasyl Lomachenko in a controversial unanimous decision, which the boxing community still believes should have been given to Loma. On the other hand, Naoya Inoue successfully defended his WBC and WBO titles against Stephen Fulton in July. Both Haney and Inoue remain undefeated now. And their upcoming December fights will determine the best among them.

Devin Haney vs. Naoya Inoue: Race for the Best in 2023

ESPN Boxing Insider’s Mike Coppinger reported that the race for the ‘fighter of the year’ has come down to these two promising fighters in the lower weights of the boxing realm. While Haney will take his challenge against WBC super lightweight champion, Regis Prograis on the 9th of December, the Japanese fighter will defend his bantamweight titles against Marlon Tapales on the 26th of December.

This close competition also touches upon the growing calls for the two famed fighters to face off against each other. While updates on that front have been limited, fans were quick to chime in to choose their favorite fighter of 2023.

One fan started off the conversation in favor of Inoue.

Soon, others joined the conversation. A major disadvantage for Haney in this race remains the fashion in which he won against Loma. A fan reiterated the majority belief that Loma deserved the win.

However, a fan opined that if Haney manages to defeat Prograis, he deserves to be the fighter of the year. After Haney won over Loma, Shakur Stevenson leveled his mandatory challenge against the Dream. However, the latter chose to move up the weights to fight against Prograis. A drift that many believe was to either dodge ‘Sugar’ or to claim that massive purse from the Progrias fight.

Another fan opined that their upcoming fights would determine who is better among them. However, they did cite a compelling argument that Inoue’s opponent seems to be easier when compared to Haney’s.

Another fan echoed the majority sentiment. They seemed stuck and hungover about the Lomachenko fight.

The Japanese fighter remains poised to make history as he gears up for an undisputed title unification clash against Marlon Tapales. What is in store for the Tokyo fight? A clash between Inoue, the undefeated WBC and WBO super bantamweight champion, and WBA and IBF champion Marlon Tapales. The stakes? The unification of all four titles.

A historic chance in the making for Naoya Inoue

Inoue, a remarkable four-division champion, comes with an unprecedented record in the lighter-weight classes. He stands undefeated at 25-0 with an impressive 22 knockouts. Previously the undisputed bantamweight champion, Inoue’s move to the super bantamweight division saw him swiftly seize two of Stephen Fulton’s belts in July by delivering a knockout blow.

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If victorious, Inoue would not only secure undisputed status in two weight divisions but would do so at an unprecedented pace. He would join the exclusive ranks currently occupied solely by Terence Crawford (and Claressa Shields in women’s boxing). Undisputed champions are a rarity in boxing, particularly in the era of multiple governing bodies and titles. Inoue’s potential triumph signifies not just a personal milestone but a significant achievement in the sport’s history.

Who is your pick between Devin Haney and Naoya Inoue for the Fighter of the Year? Let us know in the comments section below.

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