Chairman Hideyuki Ohashi Reveals Three Worries Before Naoya Inoue’s Tokyo Dome Event

In the Japanese boxing world, stars occasionally emerge. They are players who attract others not just with their achievements and skills, but also with some kind of charm. Currently, there is no doubt that Naoya Inoue (31), the unified world champion in the super bantamweight division, is a star. It’s safe to say that there is no dissenting voice when calling him a superstar.

On May 6th, boxing matches were held at the Tokyo Dome for the first time in 34 years. Since Mike Tyson, the heavyweight champion, attracted over 50,000 people in 1988 and 1990, this was the first time a Japanese boxer had headlined an event at the Tokyo Dome. Although some outfield seats were closed, the venue was packed with 43,000 spectators.

“When I went to the Tokyo Dome for a meeting in February this year and stood on the ground looking up at the stands, I felt anxious, wondering, ‘Will it be okay? Will it be filled?’

Boxing is currently considered a minor sport in society, but I believe that depending on the card, it can generate explosive attendance, and I am glad that we were able to demonstrate that.

When I entered the venue with Inoue, the cheers of 40,000 people surged from all directions like waves and echoed like thunder. We had held events at Yokohama Arena and Saitama Super Arena before, but the sound at the Tokyo Dome was different. During the match, when Inoue landed a good punch, there was a slight delay before the loud cheers reached us.”

Hideyuki Ohashi (59), chairman of Inoue’s gym and also the promoter of the Tokyo Dome event, reflected on this.

Before the match, 98% of the tickets were sold, and there was a long line for same-day tickets. Looking out at the Tokyo Dome filled with spectators, Ohashi breathed a sigh of relief.

“I watched Tyson’s match in February 1990 during my active days. Just four days before that, on February 7th, I had become the WBC world strawweight (now minimumweight) champion at the neighboring Korakuen Hall. The Korakuen Hall four days prior was so packed that there were standing-room-only areas, and I could feel the heat directly from the ring. I dreamed of someday having a match at the Dome like Tyson. Although that dream didn’t come true as a player, I was able to fulfill it as a promoter after 34 years.

However, I had worries about organizing four world matches and something happening to the eight players until the day of the match. It felt like my lifespan was shortening.”