Written by: Sean Crose
Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue will return to the ring on September 3'd in his home country of Japan. The 27-0 Inoue was last in the ring back in May, when he stopped Luis Nery in 6. Known as “The Monster,” Inoue defeated all three of his opponents without the distance. That being said, TJ Doheny, Inoue's opponent in September, has no intention of becoming the 28th victim of Inoue's career. At 37 years old, Inoue, who many feel is the best pound for pound fighter in the world, may be a tall order for the 26-4 Doheny. Boxing, however, is nothing if not an unpredictable playground.
The undefeated Inoue, who fights often – but not always – in his native Japan, is a force to be reckoned with. A master of sound footwork, the man can shoot and land with frightening power and precision. Inoue may not be victorious – he was knocked out by Luis Nery last spring – but he's so powerful in the ring that it's really hard to favor his opponent. This is the case with Doheny. Indeed, Inoue will step into the ring at the Ariake Arena in September which is the odds-on favorite.
Ireland's Doheny is unlikely to be blinded by the bright lights focused on Inoue, however. This man has been in world title fights before. He has been on the IBF super bantamweight list, after all. Also, Doheny has had his last three fights in Japan. In addition, the veteran of the ring won all three of those fights from the distance. Don't expect to be too disappointed fighting Inoue at Inoue's place. Whether or not he'll be able to withstand Inoue's shots – especially those shots of Inoue's body – is another matter. Few know how to hold back.
Although Doheny doesn't look like one of Inoue's best players, it's always good to watch Inoue in the ring going about his career. The boy, simply put, is fun to watch. It's also nice to see the aging Doheny get one last chance at glory. Once again, strange things happen in the world of boxing. Inoue may be the heavy favorite, but we have to remember that Japan is the country that saw Buster Douglas defeat Mike Tyson. Ultimately, when all is said and done, this will be an easy win for Inoue in September. Don't tell that to Doheny, though. There is no doubt that this man is looking for his own Buster Douglas moment.
Photos: High quality.
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