News On Japan
Sports

Inoue to fight Butler for undisputed bantamweight crown in December

Oct 14, 2022 | News On Japan

Oct 14, 2022 (Japan Today) - Japan's Naoya Inoue announced Thursday that he will fight Britain's Paul Butler in December when all four bantamweight world championship belts will be at stake.

The 29-year-old Inoue, nicknamed "Monster", holds the WBC, WBA and IBF bantamweight belts and is aiming to become undisputed world champion by capturing Butler's WBO title on December 13 in Tokyo.

"I want my name to go down in international boxing history, and to change Japan's boxing history," the unbeaten star said at a press conference to announce the showdown.

"Paul Butler is an extremely well-rounded fighter, with no obvious weak points," Inoue said. "In the fight, I want to weaken him little by little with my boxing, before taking him down. I will demonstrate the overwhelming difference in strength between us, and unify the four organizations."

A victory would make Inoue the first undisputed world champion from Asia and only the ninth since the four-belt era began in 2004. ...continue reading

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Earthquake Shakes Gunma and Saitama, Reaching Lower-5 Intensity

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck eastern Japan at around 7:46 p.m., with a maximum seismic intensity of lower 5 recorded in parts of Gunma and Saitama prefectures, though no injuries or major damage had been confirmed and there was no risk of a tsunami.

Massive LED Canvas Unveiled at Ueno Station

JR Ueno Station has unveiled "Ueno Canvas," a new 75-square-meter LED display featuring videos that highlight the area's cultural attractions, tourism destinations, and artistic heritage as part of a station renovation aimed at connecting people and the city through culture.

Six Ice Cream Makers Investigated Over Price-Fixing

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has conducted on-site inspections of six major food manufacturers over suspicions they formed a cartel to coordinate ice cream prices, with authorities investigating whether the companies exchanged information and unfairly adjusted planned retail price increases in response to rising costs.

Bear Family Spotted Near Kyoto Nursery

A parent bear and two cubs were spotted near an interchange in Kyoto Prefecture, just a few minutes' drive from a nursery school, in one of many bear sightings reported across Japan in recent days.

Royals Watch Japan-Netherlands World Cup Together

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan's opening FIFA World Cup match against the Netherlands together with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, highlighting the close ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Dutch Royal Family.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         
MORE Sports NEWS

U.S. Open Golf Props: Hideki Matsuyama and Other Players to Watch

The U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club from June 18 to June 21, 2026, bringing one of golf's most demanding tests back to a venue known for rewarding discipline and precision.

Royals Watch Japan-Netherlands World Cup Together

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan's opening FIFA World Cup match against the Netherlands together with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, highlighting the close ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Dutch Royal Family.

Japan and Netherlands Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 World Cup Opener

Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14, with the Samurai Blue twice coming from behind to earn a valuable point against one of the tournament's traditional powers.

Japan Eyes Crucial Victory Against Tunisia After Dutch Draw

Japan will look to build on an encouraging opening performance when the Samurai Blue face Tunisia in their second Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, knowing that a victory could move them to the brink of the knockout stage.

The Quiet Revolution of Ground Effect in Modern Formula One

When Formula One reintroduced ground-effect aerodynamics in 2022, the goal was simple. The sport wanted to allow closer racing by reducing the turbulent "dirty air" washed out behind the cars.

Japan Faces Netherlands Without Liverpool Midfielder Wataru Endo

When Japan kicks off its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands at 5:00 a.m. Japan time on June 15 at Dallas Stadium in Texas, the Samurai Blue will do so without one of their most influential players. Liverpool midfielder and former captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out through injury, prompting coach Hajime Moriyasu to hand the captain's armband to Ajax defender Ko Itakura while relying on Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka and Crystal Palace playmaker Daichi Kamada to help fill the void left in central midfield.

Japan Arrives In Dallas Ahead Of World Cup Opener Against Netherlands

Japan's national soccer team arrived in Dallas, Texas, on June 12th after completing final preparations near Nashville, Tennessee, ahead of its opening Group F match against the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup in North America.

Captain Endo Withdraws From Japan Squad

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the national team's World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international soccer, dealing a major blow ahead of Japan's Group F opener against the Netherlands on June 14th (June 15th Japan time), as the team continued preparations near Nashville, Tennessee, on June 11th.