Both World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’the Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym and World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation super bantamweight kingpin Marlon Tapales of the Philippines were brimming with confidence at a pre-fight press conference on Dec. 24 at a Yokohama hotel before their title unification bout on Dec. 26 in Tokyo.

  The 30-year-old Inoue said, ‘’I want to earn a victory no matter what. But I want to earn a knockout victory if I have a chance to do so. I hope my fans to watch the historical fight, in which I am determined to unify the titles of the four sanctioning bodies in two different weight divisions (following his achievement at bantamweight in 2022).’’

Inoue continued, ‘’If I can attain that, that will be the second accomplishment in boxing history. But considering my career, I think that can only be a stepping stone for my boxing career.’’

  The 31-year-old Tapales said it will be an exciting fight, adding while both badly want to win the fight, he said he is the one who will win, which will prove to be a historical victory for the Philippines.

  Meanwhile, Bob Arum of the United States, CEO of professional boxing promotion company Top Rank Inc., attended the conference and commended Inoue for his achievement as he likened Inoue to Muhammad Ali, Sugar Rey Leonard, Manny Pacquiao, etc., adding Inoue is in the same league with them.

  The 92-year-old promoter also said he was told that Saudi Arabian boxing officials have been anxious to invite Inoue for his fight there, which will accompany a large amount of money, although he does not know the exact amount.

  But Arum brushed aside the idea of Inoue moving up in weight early, saying Inoue does not need to do that in a hurry. 

  The scheduled 12-rounder will be held at Ariake Arena.　Inoue has a record of 25 straight wins, including 22 KOs, while the left-handed Tapales has a 37-3 win-loss record with 19 KOs.