Naoya Inoue today puts his undisputed super-bantamweight crown on the line as he fights TJ Doheny in Tokyo.
The pound-for-pound great has held the full set of belts at 122lbs since he stopped Marlon Tapales on Boxing Day last year, before defending those titles in dramatic fashion against Luis Nery earlier this year.
Inoue was dropped in the first round in May, in what was the first boxing event at the Tokyo Dome in 34 years, but rallied in typical impressive fashion to knock Nery to the canvas in the second and fifth rounds, before the referee waved it off in the sixth.
The Japanese star has been undisputed in two divisions and a four-weight world champion, but he has stated he does not intend to move up again in the next two years.
It means he will take on all challengers at super-bantamweight, with Irishman Doheny the next fighter to try and end Inoue’s unbeaten professional record of 27-0, with 24 of those wins coming inside the distance.
Doheny beat Bryl Bayogos on the undercard of Inoue’s victory over Nery, making it three wins on the bounce since he suffered four defeats in the space of six fights.
The 37-year-old (26-4) won the IBF super-bantamweight title in 2018 and has never been stopped as a professional, but this is by far the toughest test of his career.
Inoue vs Doheny date, start time, venue and ring walks
Inoue vs Doheny takes place on Tuesday September 3, 2024 at the Ariaka Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30am BST in the UK, with ring walks for the main event expected at around 12.15pm BST.
Inoue vs Doheny fight card/undercard in full
Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny
Yoshiki Takei bt Daigo Higa
Andy Hiraoka bt Ismael BarrosoJin Sasaki bt Qamil Balla
Toshiki Shimomachi bt Ryuya Tsugawa
How to watch Inoue vs Doheny
TV channel: In the UK, the card will be televised live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Boxing channels. Coverage starts at 7:30am BST and runs through to the conclusion of the main event.
Live stream: Fans can catch the action live online via the Sky Go app.
Inoue vs Doheny fight prediction
It would be one of the biggest shocks in recent boxing history if Doheny left Tokyo with the super-bantamweight titles.
Inoue regularly appears at the top of pound-for-pound rankings and for good reason, with the 31-year-old proving himself to be a complete fighter whatever weight he has competed at.
A move to 126lbs will surely come at some point, but for now it is difficult to see who can beat him in this division.
Doheny can take some confidence from Nery’s performance against Inoue last time out, with the champion knocked to the canvas early on. Catching the champion cold in the opening rounds appears to be Doheny’s best bet, as going in there to survive will only end one way.
The Irishman has 20 knockouts in his 30 professional bouts and does have the power to trouble Inoue, but he will need to be brave if he is to close the distance and get within range to really test the Japanese star.
That, though, will suit Inoue just fine. He carries frightening power and hand speed, and will almost certainly be switched on from the very first bell after that scare against Nery.
Expect another masterclass from Inoue, who will surely become the first fighter to stop Doheny.
Inoue to win by knockout, round four.
Inoue vs Doheny weigh-in results
The two fighters will take to the scales on Monday - check back in then for the results.
Inoue vs Doheny betting odds
Inoue to win: 1/100
Doheny to win: 20/1
Draw: 33/1
Inoue to win on points or by decision: 15/2
Inoue to win by knockout or technical knockout: 1/14
Doheny to win on points or by decision: 70/1
Doheny to win by knockout or technical knockout: 25/1
