World Boxing Association ‘’super’’ and International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym told a press conference held online on June 3 he is confident about his mandatory title defense against the IBF’s No.1-ranked Michael Dasmarinas of the Philippines at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 19 (June 20 Japan time).

The 28-year-old Inoue, who will leave for the United States on June 9, said, ‘’I am thinking about sapping the strength of him, trying not to be hit by his strong punch and beating him at my own pace.’’ The 28-year-old Dasmarinas is a tall southpaw.

Inoue ended the domestic sparring sessions on May 29 with such partners as Reiya Abe of KG Yamato Boxing Gym, Ohashi gym’s Kazuki Nakajima, Rentaro Kimura of Suruga Danji Boxing Gym, Ikuro Sadatsune of T&T Boxing Gym and Jin Minamide of Celes Boxing Sports Gym.

Inoue said, ‘’Since my physical condition was good, I increased the number of my sparring rounds from the usual four rounds a day to six to eight rounds a day,’’ thereby emphasizing his smooth conditioning.

When Inoue knocked out Jason Moloney of Australia to retain his titles in Las Vegas last October, he said he felt a kind of a leg cramp. But Inoue said, ‘’I now know the reason why I got the cramp and will try not to suffer the same experience. My weight-reduction program has been as smooth as usual.’’

Inoue has 20 straight wins, including 17 KOs, while Dasmarinas has 30 wins, including 20 KOs, against two losses and a draw.

Looking ahead, the Inoue side has a plan to have a title unification bout either with the World Boxing Council champion or with the World Boxing Organization ruler.

As for the WBC, Dasmarinas’ compatriot Nonito Donaire of the Philippines who wrested the title late last month by stopping Nordine Oubaali of France. ‘’Since Donaire has the WBC championship belt, which is an indispensable belt to conquer the bantamweight division, the fight with him would be made as a matter of necessity,’’ Inoue said. Another Filipino Johnriel Casimero is the reigning WBO champion.  Photo by Ohashi Boxing Gym