Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny LIVE: Date, UK start time, undercard and how to follow as two-weight undisputed king returns
Four-weight world champion Naoya Inoue will put his super-bantamweight titles on the line against TJ Doheny on Tuesday.
The pound-for-pound star has knocked out his last eight opponents and is bidding to make another statement on his return to Japan.
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‘The Monster’, 27-0 (24 KOs), survived being dropped for the first time in his career to overcome Mexican challenger Luis Nery in May.
Inoue was initially expected to face IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman next, but he is currently sidelined through injury.
Doheny was the surprise choice instead but having lost to Goodman in March of last year, he has strung together three consecutive wins in Japan against Kazuki Nakajima, Japhethlee Llamido, and Bryl Bayogos.
The Irishman, 26-4 (20 KOs), is now 4-0 on Japanese soil and famously upset the odds in similar circumstances in 2018 by beating Ryosuke Iwasa to claim the IBF super-bantamweight title.
Inoue vs Doheny: Date and how to follow
This 12-round super-bantamweight title bout will take place is set to take place on Tuesday, September 3.
The fight will be held at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The event is expected to get started with the undercard at 7:30am UK time before the main event begins around midday.
The fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Existing customers will be able to watch for free and for those without Sky Sports can find more details on how to subscribe here.
talkSPORT will have all the build-up throughout fight week and talkSPORT.com will have all the reaction from the event.
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Inoue vs Doheny: Why is it on a Tuesday?
The fight will be taking place on a Tuesday, which is unusual, with weekend slots typically used for big boxing bouts.
However, in Japan, weekday scheduling seems to be a regular occurrence and Inoue is used to fighting early in the week.
His last bout against Nery was held on a Monday.
There is no confirmed reason as to why this is the case, but it may be due to other bookings in the fight venue or costs for organisers.
Inoue vs Doheny: Undercard
Subject to change
- MAIN EVENT: Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny – for IBF, WBC and WBO super-bantamweight titles
- Yoshiki Takei vs Daigo Higa – for WBO bantamweight title
- Ismael Barroso vs Andy Hiraoka
- Toshiki Shimomachi vs Ryuya Tsugawa
- Jin Sasaki vs Qamil Balla
Inoue vs Doheny: What has been said?
Irishman Doheny is hoping to make history by beating one of the best boxers in the world.
He said: “Anyone who is an undisputed world champion deserves the utmost respect just because he is my opponent doesn’t make it any different.
“We know come Tuesday night the respect will go out the window until after the fight.
“I have the opportunity to make history, so I am highly motivated fighting for all the belts.”
Meanwhile, Inoue has admitted he has trained incredibly hard for this bout as he knows how tough it will be.
“I know in my mind what I need to do, ” the champion said. “Doheny is a fighter who doesn’t want to win by decision. That’s why I have to be careful.
“I am conscious that I have to be alert, be on guard. I have pushed myself so hard.
“I am proud to say I practised the hardest of my career for this.”
