Undisputed world super bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’the Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym attended the award presentation ceremony in New York on June 6 as he had been chosen by the Boxing Writers Association of America as the Fighter of the Year for 2023.

  The 31-year-old Inoue is the first Japanese to receive the award, dubbed the Sugar Ray Robinson Award, and was given the memorial plaque and a belt in the ceremony.

After Inoue greeted in English, he spoke in Japanese, ‘’I really extend my renewed appreciation and the consideration of BWAA President (Joseph) Santoliquito, BWAA members who voted for me, Top Rank Inc.’s CEO Bob Arum, Teiken Promotions President (Akihiko) Honda and Ohashi promotions head (Hideyuki) Ohashi.’’

‘’The year 2023 was the most challenging year for me. I fought with two sanctioning-body champion Stephen Fulton (of the United States) immediately after moving up to the super bantamweight and the remaining two sanctioning-body champion Marlon Tapales (of the Philippines) in December. Though both were not easy fights, I somehow was able to come through with the fights. I am very happy for your appreciation for the fights. Please look forward to my future career as well. Thank you very much Today,’’ he continued.

PHOTO by Ohashi Boxing Gym