Naoya Inoue to face Stephen Fulton for WBC and WBO super bantamweight belts
Naoya Inoue announced on Monday that he would challenge American Stephen Fulton, holder of the WBC and WBO world super-bantamweight belts, in Yokohama next May, for his debut in the category. The Japanese, who is nicknamed “Monster”, became the first undisputed world bantamweight champion since 1972, after beating Englishman Paul Butler last Decemberto add the WBO title to his WBA, WBC and IBF belts.
Inoue was previously champion in the light flyweight and super flyweight category. Aged 29, he has a record of 24 victories (including 21 by knockout), but gave up his titles last January to move up to the super-bantamweight category.
Fulton undefeated in his career
Fulton (28) is also undefeated with 21 successes (including eight before the limit). He is one of two current champions in the super bantam category. The Uzbek Murodjon Akhmadaliev holds, for his part, the WBA and IBF belts. The American’s last fight was a unanimous decision win over fellow countryman Daniel Roman last June.
Stephen Fulton called Inoue ” great fighter “, in a recorded video message, but clarified that he had ” no worries at the idea of facing him in Japan. ” I like to challenge myself, I like excitement, so why not take on that type of opponent? “, he added.
