Former undisputed world bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’the Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym had 10 rounds of sparring at the gym on June 26 to prepare for his challenge to World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton of the United States for his titles on July 25 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

According to the gym, the 30-year-old Inoue had five-rounds of sparring each with Bryan Acosta and with Cesar Vaca Espinoza, both of Mexico, at the request of Inoue.

After the sparring session, Inoue provided a comment as follows: ‘’I felt a good response (from the sparring with them). True I paced myself a little too much in the first two rounds or so. Mr. Acosta is a type of boxer who comes out strong based on his physical strength, while Mr. Espinoza is good at keeping his distance. So, I sparred with them at the pace of the two.’’

It will be Inoue’s last 10-round sparring session at a time before the fight, according to the gym.

While World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales of the Philippines is expected to visit Japan to watch the fight in person, Inoue said, ‘’I think that’s natural. He will be concerned about the fight. I think he wants to have a fight with (the winner of the July 25 fight). I wish it will go like that.’’

Inoue, currently ranked first both by the WBC and WBO in the super bantamweight division, has 24 straight wins, including 21 KOs. For his part, the 28-year-old Fulton is also undefeated in his 21 bouts, including eight KOs.

Photo by Ohashi Boxing Gym