Inoue ready for 'extraordinary' Tokyo Dome fight against Nery

YOKOHAMA, Japan -- Japan's undisputed super-bantamweight world champion Naoya "Monster" Inoue promised an "extraordinary" fight when he defends his titles against Mexico's Luis Nery at the 45,000-plus seater Tokyo Dome on Monday.

Boxing returns to the famous venue for the first time since 42-1 underdog James "Buster" Douglas knocked out unbeaten heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in February 1990 in one of the sport's biggest upsets.

The undefeated Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) is fighting for the first time since becoming undisputed super-bantamweight world champion in December and he will put his titles on the line against Nery, a former two-division world champion.

Inoue is a huge star in Japan and he is confident of giving a performance worthy of the big occasion.

"The day has almost arrived," the 31-year-old told reporters on Saturday.

"I have heard that Nery is also in great shape. I'm confident that the day after tomorrow will be an extraordinary fight.

"There couldn't be a better setting or timing for this fight -- I am motivated to defend my titles and I will go out to win," he said.

Inoue knocked out Marlon Tapales of the Philippines to become only the second man to become undisputed world champion at two different weights since the four-belt era began in 2004. American Terence Crawford was the first.

The 29-year-old Nery (35-1, 27 KOs) is a former bantamweight and super-bantamweight world champion.

The Mexican called Inoue "a great fighter" but said he was confident of beating him in front of his opponent's home crowd.

"I've been waiting for this fight for many years," said Nery.

"I know a lot about Inoue and I want to put on a 100 percent great performance."

Inoue's younger brother Takuma will defend his WBA bantamweight world title against fellow Japanese Sho Ishida on the undercard.

Australia's WBO bantamweight world champion Jason Moloney will also defend his belt against Japan's Yoshiki Takei.