Unified super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (Ohashi) held a public workout in Yokohama on the 20th ahead of his May 2 title defence against challenger Junto Nakatani (M.T) at the Tokyo Dome. Underscoring the high level of anticipation surrounding the event, approximately 180 members of the media were in attendance.
バッグを打つ井上 photo/Naoki Fukuda
With the title defence against Nakatani fast approaching, Inoue remarked that the training camp felt “long yet short,” clearly anticipating the upcoming bout. During the session, he showcased shadow boxing, mitt work with his tall southpaw trainer Yasuhiro Suzuki, and heavy bag drills. His refined condition was evident, leading Ken Murano, president of M.T Gym, to comment that he “looked well-prepared.”
Having successfully navigated four title defences last year, Inoue returns to the ring four months after his most recent victory over Alan Picasso. Ohashi Gym chairman Hideyuki Ohashi believes the interval allowed Inoue to “effectively shed any accumulated fatigue,” declaring the champion to be in “peak condition.”
According to his father and trainer, Shingo Inoue, the champion has logged approximately 80 rounds of sparring. With all training objectives met, the camp is “proceeding exactly as planned,” ensuring a fully prepared champion is ready for the May 2 showdown.
