Thursday 10 May 2018 14:39, UK
Naoya Inoue has agreed terms in principle to be part of the World Boxing Super Series ahead of this month's WBA title fight with Jamie McDonnell.
The pound-for-pound rated Japanese knockout artist will step up to bantamweight later this month as he aims to become a three-weight world champion by taking the WBA 'regular' belt from McDonnell on May 25, live on Sky Sports.
Season two of the Super Series will feature the bantamweight division and WBA 'super' champion Ryan Burnett, WBO title holder Zolani Tete and newly-crowned IBF king Emmanuel Rodriguez have all confirmed their entry to the eight-man tournament, which is due to start in September.
Comosa's chief boxing officer Kalle Sauerland revealed that Inoue, nicknamed 'The Monster', had already accepted one of the remaining five spots should he defeat McDonnell, who will also be considered for the star-studded line-up if he retains his belt in Japan.
"It's great to kick things off with three champions already signed up," Sauerland exclusively told Sky Sports, "The overall concept of the product is to have the best against the best, so we are in a great place.
"McDonnell versus Inoue is a cracking fight and the winner is a natural to go in this tournament.
"There's certainly a space in the tournament for the winner and we're very close with Inoue. We've agreed terms with him, so Inoue is agreed.
"With McDonnell, we will speak to him and his team after the title clash on May 25. We will just have to see after their fight but I'm hopeful that the winner goes in."
Watch Jamie McDonnell vs Naoya Inoue, live from Tokyo, on Sky Sports Action and Mix, Friday, May 25, from 1pm.
