The WBA ‘Regular’ Bantamweight champion Naoya "Monster" Inoue will make his first title defense against Dominican southpaw Juan Carlos Payano in the quarterfinal of the World Boxing Super Series on Oct. 7 at the Yokohama Arena, Japan.
The 25-year-old Inoue, who is from Zama, Japan, is a strong favorite to hoist the Muhammad Ali Trophy, but first he must get past Payano, a 34-year-old former IBO and WBA Super Bantamweight champion, who has a record of 20-1 (9 KOs).
Both men come into the WBSS hot. Payano is fresh off of three victories against Mike Plania, Alexis Santiago and Isao Carranza since losing his belts to Rau’shee Warren via majority decision in June 2016.
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The "Monster" has been on a winning spree of his own since making his professional debut in October 2012. Inoue’s record currently stands at 16-0, with 14 of those victories coming via knockout, including his dismantling of Jamie McDonnell, who he stopped 1:52 into the first round of their May 2018 bout to win the WBA title.
Speaking to the media via a translator, Inoue said: ”First of all, I never thought that my fight in this great World Boxing Super Series event will be held in Yokohama.”
And he's not taking Payano lightly at all.
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"Payano is a skillful mover with good experience and it might become a tactical fight,” Inoue added. “I plan to fight patiently and finally catch up with him to score a knockout victory. I fully realize that the Japanese boxing fans have great expectations in me. I am proud to be a huge favorite of the Japanese fans so that I will be able to succeed beautifully in the World Boxing Super Series.”
WBSS tournament organizers Comosa AG are yet to announce the dates and locations for the rest of the quarterfinal bouts for Season 2 that include IBF Champion Emmanuel Rodriguez against Jason Moloney. WBA Super champion Ryan Burnett faces Nonito Donaire and WBO champion Zolani Tete steps in the ring against Mikhail Aloyan.