Ominously Naoya Inoue is threatening to get even higher.
The Japanese celebrity is a two-weight undisputed champion. On Tuesday, stay on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion and Sky Sports activities+ from 7.30am, he’ll defend all 4 of the super-bantamweight world titles in opposition to TJ Dohney on the Ariake Area.
Together with his report of devastating knockouts, Inoue has regarded nearly unbeatable as he is risen in model via the burden courses, profitable world titles in 4 divisions.
However he is not indestructible.
Luis Nery did not defeat him after they boxed in Could however, in a second that was genuinely surprising, he floored Inoue with a heavy southpaw left hook.
Inoue hadn’t been seen on the canvas earlier than, however he rose and fought again with venom to knock Nery out himself within the sixth spherical.
That have may simply have lit a hearth in Inoue. He will not need to go away any extra room for error. “I know in my mind what I need to do. Doheny is a fighter who doesn’t want to win by decision. That’s why I have to be careful,” Inoue mentioned.
By all accounts he’s coaching with severe intent. “I am conscious that I have to be alert, be on guard. I have pushed myself so hard. I am proud to say I practised the hardest of my career for this,” he mentioned.
His promoter Hideyuki Ohashi added: “Naoya has been sparring every day. He is in perfect physical condition. His training has been the best I have seen.”
Inoue believes with this type of preparation he’ll get higher nonetheless. “I don’t think I am the finished product yet. I still have some way to go. I know I can still evolve into a better fighter. I hope the fans can look forward to that as well,” he mentioned.
Given how harmful he has regarded, the knowledgeable manner he has dismantled all the highest degree opponents he is come up in opposition to, that may be a horrifying thought.
Hingo Inoue, his father and coach, echoed the boldness of their camp. “Doheny is a former champion. He is physical and strong,” he mentioned.
“However, Naoya is also very focused. He will not let his guard down at all. As long as Naoya keeps his concentration, I don’t think there will be any problem. We just have to be cool and calm and bring that to the fight. If we can do that there will be no problems.”
If Doheny goes for the knockout, then the champion definitely is as effectively.
“To win this fight I have to concentrate and knock him out. That’s the only thing I keep in mind as I head into this fight. That’s what I’m visualising now,” Inoue mentioned.
“September 3 is going to be a great fight. Please look forward to it.”
Watch Inoue vs Doheny stay on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion and Sky Sports activities+ from 7.30am on Tuesday