Over-night reports came out from Mike Coppinger, reporting for ESPN, that a deal had been agreed for Japanese sensation
Naoya Inoue (23-0, 20) [井上 尚弥] to face Englishman
Paul Butler (34-2, 15) in a bout to unify all 4 major world titles at Bantamweight.
The reports suggest that the bout has been agreed for December 13th, with the unbeaten Inoue putting his WBA "Super", IBF, WBC and Ring Magazine Bantamweight titles on the line against the twice beaten WBO champion.
The reports also state the bout will be held in Japan, and whilst no specific venue was reported there is a feeling that the Super Arena in Saitama is in the running, along with the Yokohama Arena, whilst Inoue's promoter Hideyuki Ohashi has previously ruled out the Tokyo Dome.
Although the bout is being widely reported, it was interesting to note that Hideyuki Ohashi refused to confirm a deal had been reached when he was asked about the contest earlier today. Instead of confirming the details Ohashi stated "It seems that (in the media) that's what it says, but the announcement will be made at a later date."
Regarding Inoue Ohashi also revealed that Inoue had been doing some light sparring, to help prepare for Butler, and was going to begin doing physical training with former world 3-weight world champion
Akira Yaegashi.
