Ohashi promotions, on March 7th, formally announced the highly anticipated return of former undisputed bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue. Inoue (24-0 21 KO) steps up to the super-bantamweight division and will take on unified WBC/WBA champion Stephen Fulton (21-0 8 KO) at the Yokohama Arena, Japan, with Inoue seeking to claim world titles in a fourth weight class.
Inoue speaking at the press conference, was already confident about the challenge of facing one of the division's most accomplished fighters in Fulton.
"I'm happy to have this event eventually announced publicly. It is a challenge to myself that I'll invade the super-bantam category and make myself in tip-top condition. It truly motivates me that I'll welcome the big fight at my first fight after moving up to the 122-pound class.
"He is a taller boxer with a more advantageous reach. It might be hard to finish him, but I'd like to concentrate on being victorious. I believe I am more powerful and faster than Fulton, and I don't know at this moment what game plan I will take against Fulton."
Inoue, who began his career at 105lbs, has ultimately impressed and become a dominant fixture in every division he has fought at. Inoue believes that the trend will continue and that his confidence is at a career-high.
"I previously showed a good performance in the first bout after moving up to the new division. Moving up to 122 might—its motivation—will produce a great power in me, and I'll look forward to it. My motivation is the highest ever in my career."
Fulton attended the press conference virtually and commented that he didn't want to be seen as avoiding Inoue. Fulton has held the WBO title since January 2021 with a comprehensive victory over Angelo Leo to claim the title. This success followed by unifying the WBO with the WBC title, defeating Brandon Figueroa later that year. Fulton was in action in June last year, securing a unanimous decision win over Daniel Roman.
"I didn't like to be regarded as an escaping dog against Inoue. Each will climb up to the ring by preparing each fight plan. I believe I'll be victorious against whoever my opponent may be. Please expect a fantastic show."
