“The Monster” Naoya Inoue On Top Rank Main Stage Again Saturday

Coming up at the Virgin Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, “The Monster” is back. And, for Naoya Inoue it’s the latest opportunity for him to showcase his exciting style and punching power.

The 20-0 Inoue and his Filipino opponent, Michael Dasmarinas, both made weight mid-day Friday for the scheduled 12 rounder for the Japanese star’s WBA and IBF 118 lb. World Titles,

.@naoyainoue_410's unified Bantamweight crown is on the line, but going through a monster to take it won't be an easy task.

Here's how they stack up. ⤵️#InoueDasmarinas | SATURDAY | ESPN – 10pm ET pic.twitter.com/C2QGWMo053

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 18, 2021

It will be a tall challenge for the 30-2-1 Dasmarinas, known as “Hot n’ Spicy” to hang in with heavy handed “Monster,” who has scored 13 kayoes in his last 15 bouts.

That includes his last bout, a 7th round demolition of Australian Jason Moloney last October 31st. As we wrote then, it was a dominant performance for Inoue, who was fighting only for the second time in his career in the United States. The Japanese superstar controlled the early action of the fight and eventually, scored a knock down with a straight left in the 6th round.

“The Monster” ended up landing 63 of 174 power punches for the fight, according to Compubox stats. That nearly doubled the challenger Moloney’s 32 of 125 power shots.

We discussed Inoue’s championship run and chances to score another KO on our Big Fight Weekend Podcast this week. Hear more by clicking below,

As for “Hot n’ Spicy” Dasmartinas, he’s had a run of success over the past four years or so. This, as the Filipino contender has been unbeaten (12-0-1) in his last 13 bouts. However, this is by far the toughest punching opponent he will have ever been in the ring with come Saturday night.

The co-feature of the Top Rank/ESPN card will have Mikaela Mayer making her first-world title defense. Mayer, the 2016 U.S. Olympian from Los Angeles, will put her WBO female junior lightweight title on the line against former two-weight world champion Erica Farias. That bout is scheduled for 10, two minute rounds.

Mayer is one of the brightest starts in U.S. women’s boxing and looking to have an impressive show.

Now, we wait to see how much fireworks will or won’t happen in the Vegas desert.