Bob Arum, one of boxing's most experienced figures, has named Naoya Inoue as the greatest fighter of all time. The founder of Top Rank made this bold statement in a recent interview, placing Inoue above all the legends he's worked with in his nearly 60-year career.
Arum's journey in boxing began in the 1960s when he transitioned from his career as a lawyer. He founded Top Rank in 1973 and has since promoted some of the sport's biggest names, including Muhammad Ali, Thomas Hearns, Floyd Mayweather, and Terence Crawford.
In an interview with Jai McAllister, Arum couldn't contain his admiration for Inoue. He said:
"Inoue is not only pound-for-pound the best in the world, Inoue is the best fighter I've ever seen, no matter what weight category or anything. I have never ever in the almost 60 years I've been in boxing seen anything like Inoue."
These words carry significant weight coming from someone who has witnessed the careers of countless boxing greats. Arum's Top Rank has played a crucial role in shaping boxing's landscape, recently guiding the careers of stars like Tyson Fury, Teofimo Lopez, and Vasyl Lomachenko.
Naoya Inoue, known as "The Monster," has certainly lived up to the hype. At 32, he boasts an impressive record of 30 wins, zero losses, with 27 knockouts. He currently holds the undisputed super-bantamweight championship and previously unified all belts in the bantamweight division.
Inoue's reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet was further cemented when he avoided disaster and stopped Ramon Cardenas in a thrilling bout. This performance showcased his ability to overcome adversity and finish fights spectacularly.
The Japanese superstar's next challenge is expected to be against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Riyadh before the end of 2025. This fight will give Inoue another chance to prove why Arum and many others consider him the best in the business.
Arum's declaration has sparked debate in the boxing world. While many agree with his assessment of Inoue's skills, others point to the long list of legendary fighters Arum has promoted over the years. Regardless, Inoue's continued dominance in the ring makes it hard to argue against his exceptional talent and achievements.
