World Boxing Association’s ‘’super’’ and International Boxing Federation’s bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym said on Dec. 15 he will resume training bit by bit from the turn of the year following his technical knockout victory over Aran Dipaen of Thailand the previous night in Tokyo.

Speaking before a group of reporters at the gym in Yokohama, the 28-year-old Inoue said, ‘’I can now heave a sigh of relief,’’ referring to his win over rugged Dipaen in the eighth round at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.

‘’I was surprised at Dipaen’s toughness. But I came to think that means I will have more room for growth in my boxing ability.’’

Right after the fight, Inoue said, ‘’If the situation does not allow me to unify the bantamweight division of the four sanctioning bodies, I may move un in weight to the super bantamweight. But at this point in time, I hope I can fight either with (World Boxing Council bantamweight champion) Nonito Donaire or (World Boxing Organization ruler in the same division) John Riel Casimero (both of the Philippines).

Inoue said, ‘’Since I was able to have the fight this time and therefore was able to prevent a long interval between fights, I can have a fight next spring.’’ Inoue knocked out Michael Dasmarinas of the Philippines in June this year in the United States.

Asked about the world champions in the super bantamweight, Inoue said, ‘’I only watched the recent title unification fight between (WBC champion) Stephen Fulton and (WBO) champion Brandon Figueroa (both of the U.S.). ‘’ Figueroa had a majority decision victory.

But Inoue, who has so far fought seven times at the bantamweight, said he has some difficulties in reducing his weight to the division’s limit of 53.52 kg (118 lbs.), and may fight at the super bantamweight (55.34 kg or 122 lbs.) at the end of next year.