It was announced in the middle of the night that Naoya Inoue (14-0, 12 KOs) will fight little known Yoan Boyeaux (41-4, 26 KOs) on 12/30 in Yokohama, the city where Inoue trains.
Inoue has had a tough time securing an opponent as other champions Jerwin Ancajas and Kal Yafai took other fights this Fall, and would prefer to wait and take a big fight in February on HBO’s Super Fly 2 before fighting again.
Inoue told reporters he still hopes to fight on that card as well.
Fighting during the New Year's Eve week is common and a very popular time for boxing in Japan. Based on the level of competition Inoue is facing in Boyeaux, local fans will be able to enjoy a quick knockout before dinner while Inoue freshens up for larger prey next year.
Takuma Inoue, Naoya’s younger brother, will also be featured on the card.
IN OTHER NEWS: Panamanian Gilberto "Cacique" Pedroza will contest the World Boxing Council light flyweight crown against champion Ken Shiro, on December 30th in Japan.
"I am happy, totally motivated for this fight and I have a positive mentality," pledged Pedroza. Twenty five year old "Cacique", comes from defeating Mexican Saúl "Baby" Juarez, in Haiti, in October.
He commented that after his last fight, he rested for a week and then restarted his training to be fully prepared for this great commitment.
Discussing his rival, he respectfully pointed out that Ken is an excellent champion, but he will do his utmost to return to Panama with the green and gold belt.
World champion Ken Shiro is also 25 years old, with a professional record of 11 wins, no defeats and five knockouts.
Former World Boxing Council bantamweight female champion Catherine Phiri of Zambia returns on December 2nd against Kenya's WBC super bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika.
After losing her belt against Mexican Mariana "Barby" Juarez, Phiri is ready and raring to return, but now one division higher.
The bout will take place on December 2nd at Carnival Gardens, Nairobi, Kenya. Zarika has a record of 43 fights, 29 wins with 12KO′s, 12 losses and 2 draws.
She won the WBC's green and gold title by defeating legendary champion Alicia Ashley last year.
2023-10-19 23:48:37
