WBO Super Flyweight champion Naoya Inoue got a taste of fighting in the American television market and hopes to do that again in 2018. But first he has another title defense in late December.
Inoue will defend his title against Yoan Boyeaux, who hasn't lost a fight in several years, at the Bunka Gym in Yokohama on December 30. At a recent press conference, Inoue said he hopes to win the fight with the ultimate goal being to fight in the United States on HBO once more.
"Within two months after this title bout, I wish to appear in the U.S. ring again, but will concentrate on this defense at first," Inoue said.
Should Inoue win this upcoming title defense, Inoue will likely fight in the United States on HBO's Superfly 2 card, which is expected to take place on February 24. Inoue fought on the first Superfly card, which was a boxing card full of high-profile fights in boxing's super flyweight division. The first Superfly card was headlined by the WBC title rematch between Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez.
Inoue's next fight actually is the three year anniversary of him winning the WBO title. Inoue won the title when he knocked out Omar Andres Narvaez in the second round in 2014. Inoue last title defense on HBO saw Inoue stop Antonio Nieves inside six rounds.
The undercard has several top Japanese boxers in title matches. WBC junior flyweight champion will defend his title against Gilberto Pedroza. Satoshi Shimizu will also be on the card, defending his OPBF featherweight title against Eduardo Mancito.
