World super bantamweight boxing champion Naoya Inoue said his second birthday was April 6, the day he won his first world title 10 years ago.
“April 6th is like my birthday. It's been 10 years since I've been running so fast,” Inoue, known by his nickname “Monster,” said in a statement released Saturday.
Inoue, who turns 31 on Wednesday, began his career as a world champion on April 6, 2014, when he defeated WBC light flyweight champion Adrian Hernandez of Mexico with a sixth-round technical knockout in Tokyo.
Since then, Inoue has won world championships in four weight classes, becoming the second undisputed champion in two weight classes in the four-belt era, following American Terrence Crawford.
The undated photo provided shows world champion Naoya Inoue (left) and Ohashi Boxing Gym director Hideyuki Ohashi. (Photo provided by: Ohashi Gymnasium) (Kyodo)
Regarding the past 10 years, Inoue said, “I didn't feel any particular pressure. I still have a long way to go, so I won't look back.''
Inoue is scheduled to defend his four-time super bantamweight title against Mexican challenger Luis Neri on May 6 at the Tokyo Dome. Inoue has a professional record of 26 wins, 0 losses, and 23 KOs, while Neri has 35 wins, 1 loss, and 27 KOs.
“I'm in great shape,'' he said of his preparation for the match.
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