Fearsome Japanese star Naoya Inoue is looking to leave his own mark on the sport as he gets ready for his biggest fight yet in the World Boxing Super Series .
The 26-year-old KO artist will face fellow undefeated bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez in Glasgow on Saturday, May 18 for the IBF and WBA world titles, as well as the prestigious Ring Magazine belt.
The mouthwatering semi-final contest at the Hydro will be the chief support to Scottish hero Josh Taylor's IBF light-welterweight tussle against Ivan Baranchyk.
Inoue is regarded as one of the best young fighters on the planet and has scored knockout wins in 15 of his 17 fights.
Asian boxing has produced some stellar names in the past and none more so than the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
The Filipino icon is nearing the end of his storied career but Inoue insists he remains focused on creating his own legacy.
Lights, fights and living the Rock 'n' Roll lifestyle - inside the World Boxing Super Series
He exclusively told Record Sport: "I train at the gym only thinking to become better each day.
"I don’t see myself leading the way in terms of boxing in Japan or Asia.
"But if it does go to the next level, and I have played a part, that would be great."
Inoue has dismantled any challenge put in front of him so far but the fighter known as 'Monster' knows Rodriguez will pose a stern challenge.
But the division kingpin - who will meet Nonito Donaire in the final if he is victorious - is backing himself to get the job done within the distance.
He added: "My aim is to win by KO within the 12 rounds in any fight.
"My last two fights last year, in that moment just happened to come in the first round.
"My goal is not to finish the fight in the 1st round, but will go for the KO when I see the chance.
"KO or going to distance, it doesn't matter, I came to Scotland to win."
Inoue is ranked by many experts as one of the 10 best fighters in the planet but this will be only his second fight outside of Japan.
He wiped out Antonio Nieves inside six rounds in California back in 2017 and admits he's learned a lot about that experience on foreign soil.
He said: "The most difficult thing was preparing during fight week.
"Everything from climate, food, gym, fight week schedule was different from what I was used to in Japan.
"But that was a learning experience and now I know better than last time on what to expect."
The World Boxing Super Series returns to Glasgow on Saturday, May 18 and tickets are available HERE .
