Knockout Naoya Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs) is going on December 13 in Tokyo (Japan) to demonstrate “magnificent” boxing – such as we supposedly have not seen from him yet. On Tuesday, the 29-year-old Japanese is set to become the first four-belt undisputed bantamweight champion by adding Paul Butler’s WBO title (34-2, 15 KOs) to his WBC, WBA and IBF belts.
“Having all four belts will prove that I am No. 1 in the division, which is why I need his belt,” Naoya explained at the final press conference in Yokohama. “When I have a complete collection, then I will decide what to do next: go to 55.3 kg or something.”
Inoue is the total favorite of the fight with Butler, but at the same time, the Japanese does not allow a dismissive attitude towards the enemy. Paul’s style, he says, is “very different from Donaire’s,” whom the Japanese knocked out in a rematch over the summer.
Tendril? I didn’t even know he fought – Inoue
“He’s the type to use all 12 rounds of a fight,” Naoya said. “Of course, I am ready to defeat him even in the event of a protracted battle. Whether I win by knockout or by points, I want to show the greatness of boxing.”
Yes, Inoue repeated, “I want to show boxing like I’ve never shown before.”
Against this background, Butler stated that he has more boxing IQ than Inoue. Previously, the owner of the WBC and WBO super bantamweight belts Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs) spoke of the Japanese – “take a hit from him – and what is left?”