A 'Monster' is headed to Glasgow
Double World title header confirmed
'Monster' vs 'Manny' for the IBF bantamweght title
'The Tartan Tornado' vs 'The Beast' for IBF super-lightweight strap
The Sauerland Promotions team just announced the following message on social media on February 12: "CONFIRMED: the pound for pound biggest puncher on the planet is coming to Glasgow May 18! In an absolute unification screamer! @naoyainoue_410 v Rodriguez completes the #WBSS Semi Final double header #InoueRodriguez#BaranchykTaylor"
Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue (17-0) will face Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-0) on May 18 in Glasgow for the Puerto Rican’s IBF strap in their 118lbs Ali Trophy semi-final.
The SSE Hydro will be at full capacity as the IBF bantamweight title bout takes place the same night as Scotland’s Josh Taylor (14-0) takes on Belarus’ IBF World champion Ivan Baranchyk (19-0) in a semi-final of the 140lbs division of the World Boxing Super Series.
The double World title bill in Glasgow will see the headlining contests boast four fighters with a combined 69-0 record with 51 knockouts between them.
‘Monster’ Inoue advanced to the semi-final on October 10 in Yokohama, Japan making a mind-blowing statement when he knocked out former champ, Juan Carlos Payano from the Dominican Republic, with an electrifying jab-cross only 70 seconds into the first round.
On October 20 in Orlando, USA Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodriguez retained the IBF strap with a 12-round split decision over previously undefeated Jason Moloney from Australia. The scores were 115-113 for Moloney and two times 115-113 for Rodriguez after a high-intensive back-and-forth battle.
Both Inoue and Rodriguez have credible reasons for entering the semi-final stage with confidence and self-assurance with their current respective momentum.
“My destiny is to win the prestigious Ali Trophy and prove I am the best bantamweight in the world,” said Inoue. “I cannot wait to box in the United Kingdom in front of their loud fans and I will show them a ‘Monster’ performance!”
“I have been waiting for this moment my entire life,” said Rodriguez. “I always wanted to fight the best, and now I am fighting a boxer considered the best by the boxing reporters and fans. That’s great motivation for me, my team, and Puerto Rico, We got this. I am going to get the victory. Puerto Rico will shine in Scotland and I am confident of going all the way and take home the Ali Trophy."
The winner of this bout will then face either WBA 'Super' World bantamweight champion and Filipino legend Nonito Donaire (39-5) or WBO king Zolani Tete (28-3) in the final.
“This amazing match-up highlights the vision of the World Boxing Super Series,“ said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer.
“Two unbeaten World Champions, two sublime athletes, are putting everything on the line for a place in the final of the World Boxing Super Series where the Ali Trophy awaits the winner. It doesn’t get bigger than this.”
The winner of Josh Taylor vs Ivan Baranchyk will head to the final against the winner of Regis Prograis (23-0) vs Kiryl Relikh (23-2).
Tickets for the hotly-anticipated semi-finals on May 18 in Glasgow will soon go on sale. Fans are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alerts to receive an email reminder when tickets can be purchased.