World Boxing Association ‘’super’’ and International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym, who will take on the IBF’s No.1-ranked Michael Dasmarinas of the Philippines in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 19 (June 20 Japan time), told the Japanese media on June 17 local time he is in a tip-top condition.

‘’I was able to do my training very relaxed. Since my weight reduction efforts have been done smoothly, I will spend today relaxed and wait for tomorrow’s weigh-in,’’ Inoue said. Inoue looked really fine considering the way he talked and behaved.

Asked about his impression of Dasmarinas, who once served as a sparring partner for Inoue’s brother and former IBF bantamweight interim champion Takuma in Japan, Inoue said, ‘’I got the impression he was really a nice guy just like when I met him in Yokohama (south of Tokyo). They say a good boxer becomes a different person in the ring, I will not drop my guard to cope with him.’’

‘’I want to attain a knockout victory by showing my technique because I am well prepared for the southpaw opponent. The fight the day after tomorrow will take place before spectators, and I will show my high-performance boxing,’’ Inoue added.

Before the official press conference with the Japanese media, Inoue had to go through various other interviews as well. He emphasized in the interviews he wants to get all the four championship belts to become an undisputed bantamweight champion.

When the last interview was about to end, Dasmarinas’s compatriot and newly crowned World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire appeared with his WBC championship belt in a room where Inoue was being interviewed.

The 38-year-old Donaire, smiling from ear to ear, and Inoue took commemorative pictures. It was their first encounter since November 2019 when Inoue beat Donaire in a hard-fought unanimous decision in the final of the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

The 28-year-old Inoue has 20 straight wins, including 17 knockouts, while Dasmarinas, also 28, has a 30-2-1 win-loss-draw record with 20 KOs. The scheduled 12-rounder will take place at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. (Photos: Courtesy of Ohashi Boxing Gym)