On Tuesday, September 3, a huge show takes place in Tokyo when Naoya Inoue defends his undisputed super bantamweight championship against TJ Doheny at the Ariake Arena. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by ESPN+ in the U.S.
Over the past few years, Japan has established itself as a major boxing hotbed with exciting prospects and acclaimed world champions leading the way. As expected, the undercard for the Inoue-Doheny bout is packed with world-class action that will set up the main event for fans.
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Opening the show will be a 10-round super bantamweight bout between Toshiki Shimomachi and Ryuyu Tsugawa. That will be followed by Jin Sasaki vs. Qamil Bala at welterweight. From there, the world title action will commence with some of the top names in Japanese boxing seeking signature wins.
The Sporting News reviews two of the undercard attractions and makes predictions on the outcomes.
Yoshiki Takei vs. Daigo Higa
- Takei record: 9-0 (8 KOs)
- Higa record: 21-2-1 (19 KOs)
- Titles: WBO bantamweight
Takei, 28, held off a spirited late-round charge from Australian warrior Jason Moloney to win the title on the Inoue-Nery undercard in May. Given that this was only his ninth professional fight, it was a huge accomplishment from the former kickboxing star who claimed a unanimous decision.
The 29-year-old Higa (pictured above) was once a highly touted contender and became world champion in 2017. However, following two successful defenses, the Japanese fighter lost his title on the scales before being stopped by the hard-hitting Cristofer Rosales. Since then, he’s gone 6-1-1 but there’s been a lot of inactivity and his form has been patchy.
The timing looks good for Takei to have a statement performance in his maiden defense. He’ll need to pace himself better than he did against Moloney, but his quick hands and feet should carry the day.
Prediction: Takei UD 12
Yoshiki Takei vs. Daigo Higa betting odds
Per BetMGM, Takei is the -350 favourite while Higa is the +275 underdog. The draw is +1600.
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Ismael Barroso vs. Andy Hiraoka
- Barroso record: 25-4-2 (23 KOs)
- Hiraoka record: 23-0 (18 KOs)
- Titles: Interim WBA super lightweight
Barroso continues to reinvent himself and at 41 years old he is the defending titleholder in this all-southpaw matchup. The rugged Venezuelan is coming off a devastating first-round TKO of Britain’s Ohara Davies and he’s always dangerous.
Hiraoka, 28, looks a serious handful. At 5-11 ½, the undefeated Japanese product is two-and-half inches taller than Barroso and has a five-inch reach advantage. The challenger is on a nine-fight knockout streak but this is the most decorated fighter he’s ever faced.
While Hiraoka is a puncher, he would do well to rely on his superior size and wingspan to take the lead in this fight. Barroso has chilling power, so trading with him could leave the challenger staring up at the lights. If the home fighter can stay disciplined, then he should pick up the biggest win of his career by TKO. Barroso has been stopped on three occasions.
Prediction: Hiraoka TKO 10
Ismael Barroso vs. Andy Hiraoka betting odds
Per BetMGM, Hiraoki is the -600 favourite while Barroso is the +375 underdog. The draw is +1800.