J Doheny Makes Title Defence Against Ryohei Takahashi

J Doheny will make the first defense of his IBF World Super-Bantamweight title against Ryohei Takahashi at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York on Friday January 18.

Doheny landed the title in stunning fashion in Japan in August, ripping it from defending champion Ryosuke Iwasa in Tokyo, moving to 20-0 (14KOs) in the process. Now the Irishman will look to cement his status as World ruler in the Big Apple before targeting unification bouts later in the year.

Fittingly, Japan’s Takahashi (16-3-1 6KOs) will get the chance to return to the strap to the Far East where Doheny won the title, and the 28 year old #10 ranked challenger is thrilled to be fighting for his first title at the New York boxing mecca.

“It is really an honor to fight a World title match in this big event,” said Takahashi. “I’ll show everyone a great fight and rise up as a champion. I will make it happen.”

“I am delighted to face Ryohei in my first defense,” said Doheny. “I have massive respect for boxing in Japan having won my title there, and I know how motivated he will be in his first world title fight, just as I was in Tokyo.

“But I have prepared brilliantly for this fight and this is my time to shine. I know he wants to rip the title from me, but this is my first big night under the spotlight and I intend to shine.”