WBC and WBO junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue said he has begun preparations for his undisputed world championship fight against Marlon Tapales, which is scheduled to take place this December in Japan.
"It's time to start sparring in earnest and get ready for December!" - Inoue wrote on his social media.
Inoue last fought against Stephen Fulton in July this year. In that confrontation, Naoya won by technical knockout in the eighth round. He has 25 wins (22 by knockout) and no losses.
Tapales last entered the ring against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in April of this year. That fight lasted the entire distance and ended in favor of Tapales by split decision of the judges. He has 37 wins (19 by knockout) and three losses.