World Boxing Association super and International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’Monster’’ Inoue, who will defend his titles against top-ranked World Boxing Organization bantamweight Jason Moloney of Australia at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV of the United States on Oct. 31 (Nov. 1 Japan time), said he will be in tip-top shape by the fight time, Ohashi Boxing Gym quoted him as saying in a press release.

According to the release, Inoue said, ‘’I have a little over a month until my fight in Las Vegas and have been in good physical condition since I have been engaged in excellent training at the gym.’’

While Inoue cannot have sparring matches with boxers from abroad like usual in light of the prevention of the possible novel coronavirus pandemic, he has been doing sparring sessions with carefully selected fellow Japanese partners.

Inoue conducted a short training camp in the central Japan at the end of August to further strengthen his physical strength, which he said has achieved a tremendous result. He has also gone through hypoxia high-altitude training equivalent to a height of 3,000 meters above sea level at Green Terrace, which will be officially opened on Oct. 10 in the building where Ohashi gym exists.

According to the release, team Inoue will leave for Las Vegas on Oct. 18 and will be engaged in a final training there amid such circumstances where Inoue will not be able to go out freely given the threat of the virus or the COVID-19.

Although the 27-year-old Inoue, currently ranked third by the Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound ranking, is believed to have an advantage over the Aussie, he is bracing his nerves as he said, ‘’While I will leave for Las Vegas two weeks before the bout, I will not lose my concentration, including my weight control.’’

Inoue is undefeated in his 19 bouts, including 16 knockouts, while the 29-year-old Moloney has a 21-1 win-loss record with 18 KOs. He is currently ranked third by the WBA and 4th by the IBF.