Naoya Inoue places his undisputed super-bantamweight crown on the road as he fights TJ Doheny in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Inoue was dropped within the first spherical in Could, in what was the primary boxing occasion on the Tokyo Dome in 34 years, however rallied in typical spectacular vogue to knock Nery to the canvas within the second and fifth rounds, earlier than the referee waved it off within the sixth.
The Japanese star has been undisputed in two divisions and a four-weight world champion, however he has said he doesn’t intend to maneuver up once more within the subsequent two years.
It means he’ll tackle all challengers at super-bantamweight, with Irishman Doheny the following fighter to try to finish Inoue’s unbeaten skilled document of 27-0, with 24 of these wins coming inside the space.
Doheny beat Bryl Bayogos on the undercard of Inoue’s victory over Nery, making it three wins on the bounce since he suffered 4 defeats within the house of six fights.
The 37-year-old (26-4) received the IBF super-bantamweight title in 2018 and has by no means been stopped as knowledgeable, however that is by far the hardest take a look at of his profession.
Naoya Inoue stopped Luis Nery in an exciting bout
AP
Inoue vs Doheny date, begin time, venue and ring walks
Inoue vs Doheny takes place on Tuesday September 3, 2024 on the Ariaka Area in Tokyo, Japan.
The occasion is scheduled to start at 7:30am BST within the UK, with ring walks for the primary occasion anticipated at round noon. That, as ever, is determined by the size of the undercard bouts.
Inoue vs Doheny combat card/undercard in full
Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa
Jin Sasaki vs Qamil Balla
Ismael Barroso vs Andy Hiraoka
The right way to watch Inoue vs Doheny
TV channel: Within the UK, the cardboard will probably be televised reside on Sky Sports activities Primary Event. Protection begins at 7:30am BST and runs via to the conclusion of the primary occasion.
Stay stream: Followers can catch the motion reside on-line through the Sky Go app.
Stay weblog: You possibly can observe the combat card in full through Commonplace Sport’s reside weblog.
Inoue vs Doheny combat prediction
It could be one of many largest shocks in current boxing historical past if Doheny left Tokyo with the super-bantamweight titles.
Inoue frequently seems on the high of pound-for-pound rankings and for good purpose, with the 31-year-old proving himself to be a whole fighter no matter weight he has competed at.
A transfer to 126lbs will certainly come in some unspecified time in the future, however for now it’s troublesome to see who can beat him on this division.
Doheny can take some confidence from Nery’s efficiency in opposition to Inoue final day out, with the champion knocked to the canvas early on. Catching the champion chilly within the opening rounds seems to be Doheny’s greatest wager, as getting into there to outlive will solely finish a method.
The Irishman has 20 knockouts in his 30 skilled bouts and does have the facility to bother Inoue, however he’ll must be courageous if he’s to shut the space and get inside vary to essentially take a look at the Japanese star.
That, although, will go well with Inoue simply high quality. He carries scary energy and hand pace, and can nearly actually be switched on from the very first bell after that scare in opposition to Nery.
Count on one other masterclass from Inoue, who will certainly develop into the primary fighter to cease Doheny.
Inoue to win by knockout, spherical 4.
The pound-for-pound nice is a big favorite to defend his titles
AP
Inoue vs Doheny weigh-in outcomes
The 2 fighters will take to the scales on Monday – examine again in then for the outcomes.
Inoue vs Doheny betting odds
Inoue to win on factors or by determination: 15/2
Inoue to win by knockout or technical knockout: 1/14
Doheny to win on factors or by determination: 70/1
Doheny to win by knockout or technical knockout: 25/1
Odds through Betfair (topic to alter).