The Burden of Stardom
Naoya “The Monster” Inoue, a national hero in Japan, has carved out an undeniable legacy in the sport. With a pristine record of 28-0, 25 KOs, Inoue has achieved what few fighters can: becoming a global superstar. Similarly, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, an electrifying knockout artist from Baltimore, boasts a record of 29-0, 27 KOs. Both fighters are household names in their home countries and widely recognized as some of the best pound-for-pound talents in the world.
However, superstardom often breeds discontent among fans. When fighters reach a level of dominance where opposition seems scarce, the narrative shifts. Fans and critics begin to scrutinize their every move, from the opponents they face to the way they handle business negotiations.
Superstardom in combat sports comes with a price. For boxers like Naoya Inoue and Gervonta Davis, who dominate their divisions with unparalleled talent and unwavering confidence, that price often comes in the form of criticism. Despite their immense success, both fighters have faced backlash from fans and critics alike—often for reasons that extend far beyond their performances in the ring.
Critics of “Business First”
One of the main sources of criticism for both Inoue and Davis stems from their approach to business. Both fighters understand their worth in the sport and demand to be compensated accordingly. This approach, while perfectly reasonable in a business-driven industry, often frustrates fans who crave “dream fights” regardless of the logistical and financial hurdles involved.
For example, Inoue, who is set to defend his undisputed super bantamweight titles against Ye Joon Kim on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 4 a.m. EST (1 a.m. PST), has dominated his weight classes to the point where legitimate competition is hard to find. He has faced and defeated top-tier opponents like Stephen Fulton, Paul Butler, and Nonito Donaire, yet critics continue to question the level of his competition, especially as he moves up in weight classes.
Davis, on the other hand, faces similar scrutiny in the United States. Despite his ability to sell out arenas and generate massive pay-per-view numbers, fans often criticize him for not fighting certain opponents, such as Devin Haney or Shakur Stevenson. Like Inoue, Davis operates in a system where his value and drawing power give him the leverage to dictate the terms of his fights.
The “Big Fight” Narrative
The frustration from fans often comes down to timing. Both fighters are accused of “delaying” the biggest fights in their careers—Inoue with potential clashes against higher-profile opponents in new weight classes and Davis with long-anticipated matchups against fellow lightweight stars.
However, both fighters understand that timing is everything in boxing. Making the biggest fights at the right moment—when stakes, demand, and revenue potential are highest—is what separates smart business from reckless decision-making.
The Reality of Dominance
The harsh truth is that Inoue and Davis dominate their respective divisions to such an extent that finding credible opponents is a challenge. Inoue’s resume includes a string of notable victories:
– Stephen Fulton: Inoue captured the WBC and WBO super bantamweight titles with a stunning eighth-round TKO of the previously undefeated Fulton on July 25, 2023.
– Paul Butler: Inoue became the undisputed bantamweight champion by stopping Butler in the eleventh round on December 13, 2022.
– Nonito Donaire: Inoue defeated Donaire twice, including a Fight of the Year decision in 2019 and a devastating second-round TKO in their 2022 rematch.
– Emmanuel Rodriguez: Inoue dismantled the undefeated Rodriguez via a second-round KO in May 2019 to claim the IBF bantamweight title.
– Jamie McDonnell: In his bantamweight debut, Inoue knocked out McDonnell in the first round in May 2018 to win the WBA (Regular) title.
Davis, meanwhile, has put on electrifying performances against the likes of Ryan Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz, and Rolando Romero, showcasing his devastating power and clutching multiple world titles across divisions. His highlight-reel knockouts cement his place as one of boxing’s biggest stars.
The Comparison
The parallels between Inoue and Davis are striking. Both fighters operate on their terms, controlling their narratives and leveraging their star power to maximize their earnings and longevity. However, this approach often places them in the crosshairs of fans who demand “dream fights” immediately.
Davis has faced criticism for the timing of his fights and perceived unwillingness to face some of the toughest challengers, just as Inoue has faced accusations of cherry-picking opponents. But in reality, both fighters are carefully navigating their careers in a way that ensures they remain at the top for years to come.
Conclusion
Naoya Inoue and Gervonta Davis stand as prime examples of the double-edged sword of superstardom. Their talent and success have made them targets of criticism, but it is their business acumen and understanding of their worth that keep them at the top. Fans may not always agree with their decisions, but history will remember them as two of the most skilled and strategic fighters of their generation.
As Inoue steps into the ring this Friday, let us appreciate his greatness, just as we should with Davis. For in a sport where so few reach the pinnacle, their journeys deserve respect—even if they don’t always align with what fans think they want.
