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Naoya Inoue of Japan celebrates his victory over Nonito Donaire of the Philippines after his World Boxing Super Series bantamweight final at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on November 7, 2019 (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)
Japan’s undefeated Naoya Inoue, known as “Monster” for his devastating punching power, risks two world welterweight titles on Saturday in his Las Vegas debut against Australian Jason Moloney.
The 12-round showdown inside a quarantine bubble at the MGM Grand ends a 51-week hiatus for Inoue (19-0 with 16 knockouts) and sends Moloney (21-1 with 18 knockouts) back into the ring alone four months after his fourth. Consecutive victory due to early unemployment.
Inoue joined the crowns of the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Association last November by winning the World Boxing Super Series final over Philippine star Nonito Donaire by unanimous decision after dispatching four previous rivals in less than three. rounds.
“It’s not like I’m always going to knock out my opponents,” Inoue told ESPN fight telecaster. “I want to show that kind of fight too, but I don’t think that’s what boxing is about. I want to show all my techniques and skills. “
Inoue was supposed to have faced John Riel Casimero last April, but the fight was wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic and the Japanese star’s ring return in a new deal with promoter Bob Arum was delayed for several months.
“Naoya Inoue is a generational talent, the kind of fighter that shows up once a decade,” Arum said. “He will be a major star in America in no time. You are looking at an all-time great who is entering the best of what will be a historic race. “
Moloney, 29, stopped Mexican Leonardo Báez after seven rounds in June and has been in a knockout role since his only loss, a split decision loss two years ago to Emmanuel Rodríguez of Puerto Rico for the world title of the FIB.
“He’s a high-level fighter,” Inoue said of Moloney. “Finding your weakness is very difficult. I am well prepared. “
Inoue, 27, turned pro at age 19 in 2012, won the World Boxing Council lightweight flyweight title in his sixth professional start and advanced through the ranks to claim a world junior bantamweight title.
“I am far from satisfied with my own boxing. That’s why I can stay motivated to be stronger, ”Inoue said. “I still have room to be better. I am cautious not to be overconfident. “
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