TJ Doheny Set to Challenge Naoya Inoue for Undisputed Super-Bantamweight Title
Australian-Irish boxer TJ Doheny is poised to take on Naoya Inoue for the undisputed super-bantamweight championship at the prestigious Ariake Arena in Tokyo. With a wealth of experience, Doheny is unfazed by the challenge, having fought in Japan four times before without suffering a defeat.
As a seasoned former world champion, Doheny boasts an impressive knockout ratio of 77%. His track record highlights his punching power and competitive spirit, setting the stage for an exhilarating matchup against Inoue, who is viewed as one of the best in the sport today.
Todd DuBoef, president of Top Rank promoters, praised Doheny’s abilities, stating, “I think Doheny’s got a good punch, he’s strong. He’s a tough, tough guy and he’s been reeling off some great wins in Japan already.” DuBoef emphasized that Doheny’s experience will be a critical factor in the bout, allowing him to navigate Inoue’s speed and skill effectively.
DuBoef also noted that Doheny should take a proactive approach in the early rounds to unsettle Inoue, much like Luis Nery did in their recent encounter, where Nery managed to knock Inoue down in the first round. He warned that being overly cautious could lead to missed opportunities.
Inoue, for his part, has acknowledged that experiencing a knockdown in his last fight has made him a more dangerous opponent. DuBoef recalled the shock of witnessing Inoue go down early but commended the champion for quickly recovering and responding decisively, showcasing the qualities of a true champion.
As the sport continues to thrive in Japan, Inoue’s upcoming fight will not only feature him but also highlights the emergence of fellow Japanese boxing talent. On October 13, Takuma Inoue, Naoya’s brother, will defend his WBA bantamweight title against Seiya Tsutsumi, while the following day, WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani will go head-to-head with veteran Tasana Salapat.
DuBoef remarked on the growing interest in Japanese boxing, stating, “They have this rockstar type of personality. They’re entertainers not only boxers.” As more talented fighters emerge from Japan, the anticipation for a potential all-Japanese super-fight featuring Inoue and Nakatani grows.
Boxing fans can catch the highly-anticipated match between Inoue and Doheny live, marking an exciting moment for the sport and its loyal following.
Upcoming Fights:
– Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny – Undisputed super-bantamweight title (September 3)
– Jaime Munguia vs. Erik Bazinyan – Super-middleweight bout (September 21)
– Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois – IBF heavyweight title (September 21)
– Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi – WBA bantamweight title (October 13)
– Junto Nakatani vs. Tasana Salapat – WBC bantamweight title (October 14)
