On December 14 IBF and WBA world champion Naoya Inoue (21-0, 18 KOs) will return to Japan for another professional fight. The 28-year-old fighter will face IBF sixth ranked Aran Dipaen (12-2, 11 KOs) of Thailand. Despite turning 30, Dipaen has only been in the pro ring three years and has won four of his last six bouts against opponents with negative records.
Inoue last fought in June, knocking out Michael Dasmarinas in the third round. It was his second appearance in front of an American audience.
It was announced in the summer that Inoue would fight Nonito Donaire in the fall, but there has never been an official confirmation on that. The last time the Japanese fought in front of his home crowd was two years ago.
