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 on Oct. 31 (Nov. 1 Japan time), is thoroughly studying his opponent’s every aspect, his manager Hideyuki Ohashi, head of Ohashi Boxing Gym, said on Nov. 15 through an online press conference.

Inoue, 27, undefeated in his 19 bouts, including 16 knockouts. has been conducting sparring three times a week for the upcoming fight and is expected to do the final sparring in Japan on Oct. 17 as he will leave Japan for Las Vegas on Oct. 18, according to Ohashi.

From last week, Inoue has been sparring only with the gym’s Ryo Matsumoto, the IBF’s 14^th-ranked featherweight, and super bantamweight Keisuke Matsumoto, Ohashi said. Keisuke made a successful professional debut in August after an illustrious amateur career.

At present, the only three and Inoue’s younger brother Takuma, a former World Boxing Council bantamweight interim champion, are training together. This is to prevent infection of the novel coronavirus.

Since the scheduled 12-round bout with Moloney will be held behind the closed doors, no music has been played during the training to approximate the atmosphere to the one in the real fight.

‘’Playing music or no makes the atmosphere of the gym completely different,’’ said Ohashi. This means Inoue and three others have been training in an atmosphere where only their punches are heard.

Asked about the difference between Inoue’s previous training and his training this time, Ohashi replied, ‘’I got the impression Inoue has been studying Moloney extremely in detail this time.’’ Inoue is trying to grasp Moloney’s punching style, his combination blows, the way he moves, his tight guard etc.

The 29-year-old Moloney has a 21-1 win-loss record with 18 KOs and is said to be a boxer who has no real weakness. Can Inoue demolish the Aussie under such circumstances? This is the question boxing experts discuss among themselves.

There must be a lot of pressure for Inoue because he is widely believed to be advantageous in the bout. In addition, there will be a lot of restrictions in Las Vegas because of the COVID-19.

 Before his departure, Inoue will take a PCR test for coronavirus infection on Oct. 16.