Naoya Inoue Issues Stark Warning to TJ Doheny and Boxing World

On September 3, undisputed super bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) will defend his titles against the Australian-based Irishman TJ Doheny (26-4, 20 KOs) at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The entire card will be shown on ESPN+ for those in the United States and Sky Sports for those in the UK. Ahead of his latest defence, Inoue has sent a stark warning to his opponent and the rest of the boxing world.

Naoya Inoue Prepared for TJ Doheny

Inoue Talks September 3 and Improving

In his last fight against Luis Nery, the “Monster” recovered from a shock early knockdown to stop him in the sixth round, and this experience seems to have made Inoue even more focused: “I know in my mind what I need to do. Doheny is a fighter who doesn’t want to win by decision. That’s why I have to be careful,” Inoue said.

Inoue talking about his preparation for September 3 said: “I am conscious that I have to be alert, be on guard. I have pushed myself so hard. I am proud to say I practised the hardest of my career for this.”

Worryingly for Doheny and the rest of the boxing world, his promoter Hideyuki Ohashi has warned: “Naoya has been sparring every day. He is in perfect physical condition. His training has been the best I have seen.”

Despite him brutally stopping most of his opponents, Inoue still feels there is more to come: “I don’t think I am the finished product yet. I still have some way to go. I know I can still evolve into a better fighter. I hope the fans can look forward to that as well,” he said.

Looking ahead to September 3, the “Monster” said: “To win this fight I have to concentrate and knock him out. That’s the only thing I keep in mind as I head into this fight. That’s what I’m visualising now.”

“September 3 is going to be a great fight. Please look forward to it,” said Inoue.

Inoue vs. Doheny Full Fight Card

• Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny; For Inoue’s IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO junior featherweight titles
• Ismael Barroso vs. Andy Hiraoka; Super-lightweight
• Yoshiki Takei vs. Daigo Higa for WBO bantamweight title
• Jin Sasaki vs. Qamil Balla; Welterweight
• Toshiki Shimomachi vs. Ryuya Tsugawa; Super-bantamweight

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of the impending fight between Inoue and Doheny, including results and video highlights.