Dynamic knockout artist Naoya Inoue, A.K.A. “The Monster,” returns to action for an undisputed super bantamweight title defense against former champion TJ Doheny at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Tuesday, September 3. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by ESPN+.
The 31-year-old Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) is a four-weight world champion, a double undisputed champion, and one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world today. Among his signature victories are Omar Narvaez, Adrian Hernandez, Nonito Donaire, Stephen Fulton, Marlon Tapales and Luis Nery.
“I’ve been training very well and I’m in really good shape,” said Inoue at the final press conference.
“I’m proud to be able to defend four belts for four different organizations. On September 3rd I want to make sure I put on a performance that I am proud of.”
WATCH: Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny, exclusively on ESPN+
Doheny (26-4, 20 KOs) had a brief reign as IBF super bantamweight champion between 2018 and 2019. At 37, the challenger is enjoying an Indian summer in his career, having won his past three fights by knockout. Notable wins include triumphs over Inoue’s compatriots Ryosuke Iwasa and Ryohei Takahashi.
“Everything is in perfect condition I couldn’t ask to be in a better position right now and I’m really honored to be challenging for the undisputed world championship,” said Doheny.
The Sporting News will provide undercard results and a full report from the main event in Tokyo.
How to watch Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny
- Channel/live stream: ESPN+
Fight fans can watch Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny on ESPN+. You can subscribe to ESPN+ for $ 10.99 on a monthly subscription and $ 109.99 on an annual subscription.
WATCH: Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny, exclusively on ESPN+
Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny start time
- Date: Tuesday, September 3
- Time: 5:45 a.m. ET | 2:45 a.m. PT (Outside of the U.S., the international broadcast begins at 2:30 a.m. ET)
- Main event start time (approx.): 7:30 a.m. ET | 4:30 a.m. PT
- Location: Ariake Arena — Tokyo, Japan
The Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny main card airs at 5:45 a.m. ET. Inoue and Doheny should make their way to the ring around 7:30 a.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny start time in Japan
Inoue vs. Doheny starts at 6:45 p.m. local time. The main event should begin around 8:30 p.m. local time, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
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Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny fight card
- Naoya Inoue (c) vs. TJ Doheny for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine super bantamweight titles
- Yoshiki Takei (c) vs. Diago Higa for the WBO bantamweight title
- Ismael Barroso (ic) vs. Andy Hiraoka for the interim WBA super lightweight title
- Jin Sasaki vs. Qamil Balla; Welterweights
- Toshiki Shimomachi def. Ryuya Tsugawa via UD 10 (97-92, 96-93, 96-93); Super Bantamweights
