The WBO has released its rankings for January 2023 and there is a new contender atop its 122-pound listings. Just days after he vacated his four title belts, former undisputed world bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (pictured) is now the WBO's #1 ranked super bantamweight contender. The champion is Stephen Fulton, who also reigns at the WBC champion. Dropped to the #2 spot is Ra'eese Aleem, who has already expressed an interest in fighting Inoue.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JAN. 14, 2023: Junior featherweight contender Ra'eese "The Beast" Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) wants to welcome the undisputed bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue (24-0, 12 KOs) to the 122-pound division. "I would love to be the first man to hand Naoya Inoue his first loss," said Aleem. "I believe Inoue is a true champion, one who is willing to take on all comers, unlike some of the champions in my division currently. He is regarded as one of the best fighters of his era, and I truly see myself as the man to dethrone him." Aleem fought only once in 2022, defeating Mike Plania (27-2, 14 KOs). His lack of activity was not entirely his fault, as the division as a whole was at a standstill with two unified champions only fighting once, as well. "We want this fight as soon as possible against 'The Monster'," said Greg Hannley, Aleem's manager and CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. "All good things have to come to an end, and Aleem is ready to become a legend, and to do that he must beat one. We're ready to talk. This is a very makeable fight. Let's give the fans the fight they want to see."
For Aleem 2022 was a bit frustrating as despite being one of the best fighters in the division, he couldn't land the big fight that he deserves. "It is frustrating as time isn't on my side, and I am looking to get the most out of my career - and these fighters have been avoiding me leading to severe droughts in my ability to display my skills in the ring," concluded Aleem. "I am the only fighter who is calling out Inoue. Everyone else is scared. What is scarier, 'A monster' or 'A beast'? Let's put both of our undefeated records on the line and see!”
JAN. 13, 2023: World 118-pound champion Naoya Inoue announced that he will make the jump to the super bantamweight division in his next fight and, therefore, will vacate his 118-pound titles. Inoue held all four major titles, which means his announcement will create championship opportunities for up to eight bantamweights. The WBA reports that at a press conference held in Yokohama, Japan, "Monster" Inoue told the press that he will be looking for new challenges in his career after having dominated the bantamweight division. The 29 year-old Japanese star stressed that he is in the process of adapting to his new weight and that he is already looking for the best opponents in the category to face them.
