Naoya Inoue is a Japanese professional boxer who has gained international acclaim for his exceptional talent in the ring.
Nicknamed “The Monster,” Inoue is celebrated for his impeccable timing, speed, and formidable punching power, particularly his ability to deliver devastating body punches.
His career is distinguished by his victories over top contenders and his success in securing multiple world titles across various weight classes.
You can follow Naoya Inoue’s net worth, prize money, career earnings, fight record, wife, career overview, and more here.
About Naoya Inoue
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Naoya Inoue |
| Nickname | The Monster |
| Birth Date | April 10, 1993 |
| Height | 5’5″ |
| Weight | 118 lb |
| Birthplace | Zama, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Turned Professional | 2012 |
| Current Net Worth | $7 Million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Unknown |
| Instagram Profile | @naoyainoue_410 |
Naoya Inoue, a prominent figure in professional boxing, was born on April 10, 1993, in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
This city, nestled in a region known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, played a significant role in shaping Inoue’s early life and his journey into the world of boxing.
From a young age, Inoue was introduced to boxing, a path significantly influenced by his family’s boxing lineage.
His father, Shingo Inoue, an amateur boxer, was instrumental in guiding Naoya and his older brother, Takuma Inoue, into the sport.
Early Life
Naoya Inoue’s early life was characterized by a strong foundation in boxing, which his father, Shingo Inoue, an amateur boxer, fostered.
Inoue was introduced to the sport at a very young age, picking up boxing gloves for the first time in the first grade.
This early exposure to boxing resulted from his father’s influence and a reflection of the sporting environment in his hometown.
Early Career
Inoue’s amateur career was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Japanese Interscholastic Athletic Meeting and the Japanese Junior National Championships in 2009.
He also won the Japanese Junior Selection Tournament and won a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Championships in Tehran, Iran, in 2010.
His amateur record was impressive: 75 wins, 48 of which were knockouts or referee-stopped contests (RSCs), setting the stage for a promising professional career.
Professional Career
Inoue made his professional debut in 2012 and quickly began to make waves in the boxing community.
By 2013, he had already captured the Japanese light flyweight title and the OPBF light flyweight title, showcasing his potential for greatness early on.
In April 2014, he won the WBC light flyweight title, and by the end of the same year, he had claimed the WBO junior bantamweight title.
In 2018 and 2019, he added the WBA regular bantamweight belt, the IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles to his collection before claiming the WBA super title.
His victory over Nonito Donaire in June 2022 for the WBC bantamweight title and subsequent win against Paul Butler in December 2022 to complete the undisputed bantamweight crown were career-defining moments.
In July 2023, Inoue moved up in weight once again and defeated Stephen Fulton, capturing the unified super bantamweight WBC and WBO world titles.
His most recent fight against Marlon Tapales on December 26, 2023, saw him become the undisputed champion at 122 pounds, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Wife
Naoya Inoue is currently married, but his wife’s name is unknown. Inoue prefers to keep his personal life private and focus on his boxing career.
Family
Naoya Inoue comes from a close-knit family deeply rooted in boxing. His father, Shingo Inoue, and his mother, Miho Inoue, have played significant roles in his life and career.
Shingo, in particular, has been instrumental in developing Naoya’s boxing skills and philosophy, passing on his passion for the sport to his sons.
Naoya has a younger brother, Takuma Inoue, who is also a professional boxer.
Naoya Inoue’s Net Worth Details
Naoya Inoue’s net worth is estimated to be $7 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money as a professional boxer, endorsements, and other sources.
Prize Money
| Date | Opponent | Event Location | Purse |
| 2023-12-26 | Marlon Tapales | Tokyo, Japan | $1 million |
| 2023-07-25 | Stephen Fulton | Tokyo, Japan | $5 million |
| 2022-12-13 | Paul Butler | Tokyo, Japan | $1 million |
| 2020 | Jason Moloney | – | $1.5 million |
| 2021 | Aran Dipaen | – | $500,000 |
Career Earnings
Inoue’s earnings from his fights have been substantial, contributing significantly to his net worth. In 2018, he earned $1 million from his fights against Jamie McDonnell and Juan Carlos Payano.
For his 2021 fight against Aran Dipaen, Inoue earned a guaranteed purse of $500,000, which included a $200,000 win bonus and additional sponsorship payments.
In July 2023, Inoue fought American boxer Stephen Fulton in a highly anticipated match in Tokyo.
Thanks to his victory, Inoue took home $5 million of the $8 million purse, marking one of the biggest paydays of his career.
Endorsements
Naoya Inoue, the Japanese boxing sensation, has secured several endorsement deals that contribute significantly to his income and public profile.
Inoue signed a deal with SIXPAD, a company known for manufacturing specialized boxing and exercise equipment.
Additionally, he has an endorsement deal with Winning Japan, a company that produces boxing gloves.
These partnerships highlight Inoue’s marketability and the value brands see in associating with his success and reputation in boxing.
Fight Records
| Total Fights | Wins | Wins by KO | Losses |
| 26 | 26 | 23 | 0 |
FAQs
1. What is Naoya Inoue’s professional record and knockout rate?
He remains undefeated in 30 professional bouts with 27 victories by knockout, translating to a 90 percent KO-to-win ratio. His 27th stoppage came in May 2025 when he retained his undisputed super-bantamweight titles with an eighth-round stoppage of Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas.
2. How did he earn the nickname “The Monster”?
His moniker reflects overwhelming punching power, ferocity and an ability to end fights dramatically. He routinely dispatches top opponents in single digits rounds and has compiled highlight-reel knockouts against world champions, earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most fearsome knockout artists.
3. Which of his fights are considered career-defining victories?
Standout wins include his 2019 bantamweight final triumph over Nonito Donaire in the World Boxing Super Series, his unification knockout of Paul Butler in 2022, his rematch stoppage of Donaire in 2022, and his explosive knockout of Luis Nery in 2024, all showcasing his versatility and power.
4. What historic milestones has he reached in boxing history?
He is one of only three men to become undisputed champion in two weight classes in the four-belt era and the first ever to hold undisputed super-bantamweight status. He also ranks among the sport’s all-time knockout specialists and has been pound-for-pound world number one.
