Naoya ‘The Monster’ Inoue meets Emmanuel Rodriguez in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series on Saturday with world title gold also up for grabs.
Inoue is already a three-weight world champion having won world titles at light-flyweight and junior bantamweight before adding the WBA regular bantamweight title to his collection with a devastating 70-second stoppage of Juan Carlos Payano last October.
Unbeaten in 17 professional bouts with 15 ended by knockout, the Japanese powerhouse is already regarded as one of the world’s most exciting fighters and is slowly creeping into the argument for being one of the top five best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.
On Saturday, he takes on Rodriguez for the Puerto Rican’s IBF title, with a place in the increasingly prestigious WBSS final also up for grabs.
Tensions between the two increased this week when Inoue’s father and trainer was shoved by a member of the Rodriguez team at a media workout.
With Rodriguez out to calm the hype surrounding his opponent, it promises to be an explosive counter on a card that also features Scotland’s Josh Taylor fighting for his first world title.
Date, UK start time and venue
Inoue vs Rodriguez takes place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday 18 May.
Josh Taylor meets Ivan Baranchyk on the same night in their WBSS super-lightweight semi-final – with Baranchyk’s IBF title also on the line.
The meeting between the two undefeated fighters will headline the show, with Inoue vs Rodriguez to serve as the chief support on the card.
Ringwalks are likely to take place no earlier than 9pm.
TV channel and live stream
The fight will be shown live on Sky Sports' Action and is available via Now TV with a day pass on offer for £8.99.
Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via SkyGo and the SkyGo app.
You can also follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
Undercard coverage begins a 9pm.
Betting odds | Provided by Betfair | Subject to change (UK and Ireland only)
Fight odds
- Inoue to win: 1/9
- Rodriguez to win: 6/1
- Draw: 15/1
Method of victory
- Inoue by decision/technical decision: 10/3
- Inoue by KO/TKO: 4/11
- Rodriguez by decision/technical decision: 9/1
- Rodriguez by KO/TKO: 18/1
Prediction
Inoue's reputation as one of boxing's most devastating hitters outside the heavyweight ranks means the odds tip in his favour.
Inoue to win via late stoppage.
Undercard
• Zach Parker vs Steven Crambert
• Paul Butler vs TBA
• Lee McGregor vs Cristian Narvaez
• Reece McFadden vs Georgi Georgiev
• Chantelle Cameron vs TBA
• Tommy Philbin vs Harry Matthews
