https://www.ringtv.com/662824-naoya-inoue-is-the-rings-2023-fighter-of-the-year/
I personally thought that it should be Crawford, but as per Ring, the strength of Inoue's win against Fulton and Tapales is enough for him to get the nod. Yes it's true they are the number 1 and number 2 rank super bantamweight, but the biggest fight is Crawford vs Spence and how Crawford demolished Crawford when everyone thought that it could go either way or close fight. As compare to Inoue's win wherein we expect that he will steam roll this two, just a question on what round it will end.
But, this is actually nothing compared to what they have achieved. Both boxers have proven that they are the undisputed and how I wish they would meet in the boxing ring while they are still in their prime. But that's still far and the weight class difference is gapped by a lot. I think that will be impossible especially if Inoue decides to stick with the Super Bantamweight.
But we have seen the impossible become possible and Manny Pacquiao is living proof of it. From the flyweight division climbing to the welterweight even at his height.
Maybe we will see more exciting opponents if Inoue will also try to climb the ladder. He should really try to go upward if he is looking for greater competition.
It's a competition between Naoya Inoue and Terrence Crawford for Ring Magazine's boxer of the year. But in the end, I can't blame those who awarded it to Inoue, I mean unification fight as well in the super bantamweight and the way he take them to pieces, as he faces other champion as well is amazing.
Nothing to be ashamed for Crawford as a runner up, this is another year so maybe his rematch with Spence and then another fight might could help his case again in 2024 for BOTY. Although there could be argument that it's not that important, what's important is that he cemented his legacy already.