Inoue wants Casimero next after title clash with Moloney 

There’s no need for Johnriel Casimero to chase Naoya Inoue for a unification, after all. The Japanese Monster also wants to fight the Filipino champion.

But Inoue must dispose of Australian challenger Jason Moloney first on Saturday, October 31 (Sunday, November 1, Philippine time) before accepting Casimero’s repeated challenges and taunts.

“I would like to fight Casimero as soon as possible to unify the belts, but for now, I’m focused on Moloney,” Inoue told the Ring. (READ: Inoue to Casimero: You won’t be able to hit me)

The unbeaten Inoue (20-0, 16 knockouts) will dangle the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation bantamweight crowns against Moloney (32-2, 17 knockouts) at the MGM Grand bubble in Las Vegas.

Inoue has been tagged a 1/5 favorite to beat Moloney, meaning one needs to bet $500 on Inoue to gain $100 if the Japanese wins. As a 3/1 underdog, a $100 bet on Moloney earns $300 if the Australian wins.

On another perspective, Inoue is given 83% chances of keeping his clean slate against Moloney.

Casimero, who’s now in Ormoc City after keeping the World Boxing Organization 118-pound belt with a 3-round demolition of Ghanaian Duke Micah last month in Uncasville, Connecticut, also believes Inoue will beat Moloney by knockout.

If Inoue prevails over Moloney, chances of his aborted April 25 clash with Casimero (29-4, 20 knockouts)  pushing through next year will rise significantly. (READ: Casimero calls out Inoue again after round 3 knockout of Micah)

When his fight with Inoue got scrapped by Top Rank Promotions, Casimero responded with a verbal assault, accusing the Inoue camp of avoiding him and even calling Inoue Japanese turtle instead of his Monster moniker.

Of course, Inoue is aware of Casimero’s insults. The Japanese may just be waiting for the right time to fire back in the ring. – Rappler.com