2021 was clearly not a good year for the Monster in terms of opposition. You have to admit that for someone that is considered as a Top 5 current P4P fighter having only fight guys like Michael Dasmarinas and Aran Dipaen within the year is really questionable, although I'm sure this was not Inoue's fault as he's always up for a challenge. COVID and Japan's strict travel policy has played a part as well fighters being reluctant to face him. I'm really hoping that 2022 is a good year for the Monster to finally face upper class opponents, fighters that can actually give him a good challenge. For me I would love Inoue to fight Casimero next, and then move up to face Fulton, Akhmadaliev, or Figueroa. I prefer not to see a Donaire rematch.
If Casimero isn't stripped of his title then unification with him is the clear first option. It's supposedly set for next year so I'm hopeful that this time it happens. Both are chalk and cheese, such different personalities and I think the build up would be fun. But if Casimero is stripped or if he backs out then Donaire is the clear next best opponent. While the first fight was conclusive it was competitive and at least we get to see another competitive fight which is better than another walk over type fight. Then I'd like to see him move up and fight either Foulton or Akhmadaliev next and ideally face the other in the next fight to unify at Super Bantam. This for me would be the dream run 3 of these 4 guys in 2022 would make for a great year for The Monster and make up for an abysmal 2021 but I think we'll probably only see one of these fights happen and even then that's no guarantee.
Casimero. Move up and fight Figueroa. Then Fulton or Akhmadaliev. Fight three times against top opponents staying active and having relevant fights .
Everybody wants Undisputed, and most likely thats the route hes going to take before moving upto the 122 pound division. Guys like Fulton and MJ are the type of challenges he needs because everything up to this point, minus the donaire fight has been pretty easy because hes an extremely talented fighter. He needs bigger challenges.
Ideally by the end of 2023 we'll have seen: Casimero at 118 Fulton at 122 Akhmadaliev at 122 GAR at 126 But I doubt it.
Casimero (but I don't think he can make 118 anymore and Inoue is one fight away from being drained and ineffective at 118). Donaire 2. B-Figs (first fight at 122). Fulton. Akhmadliev.
