JAPANESE sensation Naoya "Monster" Inoue will be back in the ring on December 14 to defend his bantamweight titles against Aran Dipaen of Thailand.
The three-weight world champion at three weight, who is rated one of the top pound-for-pound fighters worldwide, defeated Filipino Michael Dasmarinas in three rounds in June.
Inoue is one the most fearful fighters in boxing
After two fights in the USA, Inoue will now return to Japan to face an adoring home crowd.
The 28-year old holds the IBF and WBA bantamweight titles. He has also won belts at super-flyweight, light-flyweight, and super-flyweight.
He has won 21 of his professional fights, stopping 18 of them.
His opponent Dipaen has already lost two out of 14 pro contests.
He has fought only three times outside of Thailand, two of them in defeat.
Dipaen lost to Zafar Perpiev in Russia in his third bout. He had previously faced Tommy Frank in Sheffield two year ago, where he was defeated by split decision.
Inoue is the overwhelming favourite going into the fight, as he hopes to make an undisputed bout against Nonito Donaire and John Riel Casimero.
WBC champion Donaire will face Casemiro, the WBO title holder. Inoue hopes to face the winner.
The Japanese boxer, who won a knockout in June, said that he was ready to knock them out with either a head shot, or a body shot. I was prepared, and to win by knockout is good.
"The first round was just for me to see his potential. It all depended on his performance, but after a while I felt I could get him out.
"Getting the win makes my smile, but being able to fight the winner Casimero or Donaire brings me another smile."
Inoue beat Donaire in 2019, winning a thrilling fight by unanimous verdict.
