Naoya Inoue Seeking a KO Victory Against TJ Doheny

Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue is set to defend his four major titles against a former IBF champion, 37-year-old Irish opponent TJ Doheny. 

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. 

Inoue, 31, enters the ring with an impeccable 27-0 record (24 knockouts). Doheny, on the other hand, has a record of 26-4 (20 KOs). 

Notably, Doheny was also the backup fighter for the May 6 bout between Inoue and Luis Nery at Tokyo Dome. In other words, he was ready to step in if Nery had failed to make weight.

Daily Sparring, Top Condition

On August 21, Naoya Inoue allowed the press into his training session at Yokohama's Ohashi Boxing Gym, where he showcased his prowess in shadow boxing and his precision with jabs, straights and hooks on a sandbag. 

Hideyuki Ohashi, the gym's president, shared insights during a press conference, stating, "He has been sparring daily with a total of four Mexican boxers — two in the first half and two in the second. His physical condition is perfect. And I can say that the quality of the training is the best it has ever been."

Ohashi added, "After sparring ended, I found myself saying to Naoya more often than ever, 'Aren't you in great form today?' "

Inoue stated, "I trained with the resolve to never let my guard down. I pushed myself as hard as I ever have and this has been my most rigorous preparation period ever." He also highlighted his growing comfort in the super bantamweight class, noting, "Now in my fourth fight at this weight, I feel perfectly attuned to the class."

His father and coach, Shingo Inoue, provided insights into their training regimen: "We've completed 89 rounds of sparring and plan to reach around 99 to 100 rounds in total. The condition is undoubtedly excellent. I can see his sharpness and sense his determination to be fully prepared. His preparation is absolutely spot-on."

Doheny's 'Dangerous Image'

During a match at Korakuen Hall on October 31, 2023, Doheny faced Japhethlee Llamido. Doheny executed a precise jab followed by a left straight, leading to a dramatic first-round technical knockout. Ohashi, the gym president who has observed Doheny's performances twice in Japan, described him as having a "dangerous image." 

Showcasing his focus and vigilance, Inoue commented, "I have no intention of winning by decision. That's why I need to be cautious of every single punch." 

Inoue declared, "I believe I can still evolve, and I hope the fans will enjoy seeing that." 

He also predicted, "I will create the flow and seize the moment to finish it." 

With fans eagerly anticipating a knockout, Ariake Arena is set to be electrified on September 3, buzzing with an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness an evolved Naoya Inoue.

The upcoming match will be available for free streaming on NTT Docomo's video streaming service, Lemino.

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Shin Sato

Shin Sato is a staff consultant of The Sankei Shimbun Sales Department and a sports writer for JAPAN Forward.