For weeks an announcement has appeared imminent, but finally it has been confirmed that Japan’s hero and undisputed super-bantamweight champion will Naoya Inoue will face Luis Nery in a clash for all four belts at 122lbs.
In addition to the intrigue of the main-event, a further three world titles contest have been added to the undercard, for what looks set to be a stellar night of boxing.
Nery was banned from ever fighting in Japan again, testing positive for a banned substance (Zilpaterol) after handing Shinsuke Yamanaka his first defeat and then missing weight in their rematch, knocking out the home fighter on both occasions.
However, once a proposed bout with Inoue was proposed, the Japanese Boxing Commission acted quick to lift the lifetime suspension and ensure the showdown was to take place in Inoue’s native land.
On social media, Top Rank confirmed that Inoue-Nery would be staged at the 55,000 capacity Tokyo Dome on May 6th, for what will be ‘The Monster’s’ sixth consecutive outing in Japan, topping an eye-catching bill.
Former victim of Inoue, Jason Moloney, travels to Japan for the first time, as the Aussie seeks to make a second defence of his WBO bantamweight crown against the hard-hitting yet inexperienced Yoshiki Takei, who has stopped all eight of his opponents thus far.
Meanwhile, brother of Naoya, Takuma Inoue will also aim for a second defence of his own bantamweight title, putting the WBA belt on the line against countryman, Sho Ishida, just two months since the champion knocked out Jerwin Ancajas.
Finally, Seigo Yuri Akui ended the frustratingly inactive reign of Artem Dalakian back in January, and now will defend his WBA flyweight title against Taku Kuwahara for the first time, in another all-Japanese showdown.
A fifth world title fight, for the soon to be vacant IBF flyweight belt, is rumoured to be added soon, as is U.K. broadcaster confirmation for the first boxing event at the fabled Tokyo Dome in almost 18 years.