World Boxing Association’s ‘’super’’ and International Boxing Federation’s bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym and the IBF’s fifth-ranked challenger Aran Dipaen of Thailand both cleared the weigh-ins on Dec. 13 in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, setting the stage for their battle in Tokyo the following day.

The 28-year-old Inoue weighed in at 53.5 kgs while the 30-year-old Dipaen, who is also ranked 10th in the division by the WBA, tipped the scales at 53.3 kgs, at a Yokohama hotel.

The scheduled 12-rounder will be staged at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena. Both the WBA and IBF titles will be at stake.

This will be Inoue’s first fight in Japan since he decisioned Nonito Donaire (the current World Boxing Council bantamweight champion) of the Philippines in the World Boxing Super Series final in November 2019.

After his weigh-in, Inoue said, ‘’Tomorrow I can fight in Japan for the first time in about two years and am looking forward to it myself. Since my fans will also be anxiously waiting for the fight, I am determined to exhibit a good fight.’’

Commenting on his opponent Dipaen, who vowed to score a knockout victory in the press conference, Inoue said, ‘’Looking at his body, he looks like in good shape. He appeared uplifted, and that’s good for me.’’

Asked about his motivation for the fight, Inoue said, ‘’Considering the COVID-19 misfortune, the fact that I can climb through the ropes itself is my motivation. In addition, the fact that Donaire retained his title beautifully the other day also motivates me (for their possible title unification battle next spring).

Inoue has 21 straight wins, including 18 KOs. For his part, Dipaen has a 12-2 win-loss tally with 11 KOs.
The bell for the Inoue-Dipaen fight is expected to sound around 8 p.m.