Naoya ‘’The Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym, who holds the World Boxing Association ‘’super,’’ International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council bantamweight titles simultaneously, and World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Paul Butler of Britain held a joint press conference on Dec. 10 at a Yokohama hotel before their title unification fight on Dec. 13 in Tokyo.

The 29-year-old Inoue, who appeared wearing his original black hair instead of his usual dyed hair, said, ‘’I wanted to go back to my first objective to prepare for this title unification fight in which the division’s all the four titles are at stake. When I saw all the four championships belts on this stage, I have become motivated more.’’

‘’Becoming the undisputed champion by unifying the titles of all the four sanctioning bodies is what I have always wanted. So, (boxing) fans out there, please keep this in mind. I mean the moment when the undisputed world champion is born in Japan,’’ Inoue added.

Hideyuki Ohashi, the gym’s head, echoed Inoue by saying, ‘’I think he has become 1.5 times as strong as he was when he fought with (Nonito) Donaire (of the Philippines) in June (Inoue stopped Donaire in the second round) after his vigorous training in the United States. I think his speed and punching power will blaze away from the first round. Please pay attention to that.’’

Asked about the kind of fight he wants to show, Inoue replied, ‘’Butler is a different type of boxer from Donaire since he is a type who aims at going the distance. But I hope to convey the splendidness of boxing either by KO or by a decision victory. Everything will depend on my instinct and inspiration after climbing through the ropes.’’

Ohashi, who watched Butler’s public training in person, said, ‘’Though his knockout percentage is not very high, I think he hits harder than what I thought he would by watching his video. He showed a wiggling footwork, which is rare in Japan.’’

The 34-year-old Butler said he thinks the upcoming fight will become a difficult one for him. But no Brit has so far become an undisputed champion by unifying the titles of all the four major sanctioning bodies not only in the bantamweight division but also in other weight classes. Butler said he thinks the coming fight is a very significant one.

The scheduled 12-round title fight will be held at Ariake Arena.

Inoue has 23 straight wins, including 20 knockouts. For his part, Butler has a record of 34 wins, including 15 knockouts, against two losses.