World Boxing Association ‘’super’’ and International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym will probably face the International Boxing Federation’s No. 1-ranked Michael Dasmarinas of the Philippines on June 19 in Las Vegas in the U.S. state of Nevada, Hideyuki Ohashi, the gym’s head, said on March 26.

While the formal signing of the fight has not yet been made, Inoue said through the gym, ‘’By the time of the fight, seven months will pass since I last fought (he knocked out challenger Jason Moloney of Australia on Oct. 31 also in Last Vegas to successfully defend the WBA title four times and the IBF crown twice). I am happy that I can fight again.’’

‘’This time, it will be the IBF’s designated fight, and I will be well prepared for the bout so that I can show a good performance my fans can appreciate. Please cheer me up with your big support,’’ he added.

The 29-year-old Dasmarinas is a southpaw who has a record of 30 wins, including 20KOs, against two losses and a draw. He became the IBF’s designated challenger for the title by decisioning compatriot Kenny Demecillo in March 2019. He pounded out an eight-round decision over Hayato Kimura of Watanabe Boxing Gym in July 2014 in Tokyo.

He frequently visited Japan since 2016 as a sparring partner of then World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Shinsuke Yamanaka of Teiken Boxing Gym.

Inoue, who will turn 28 on April 10, is undefeated in his 20 bouts, including 17 KOs.