TJ Doheny is happy to be back at the 'top table' as he faces the toughest challenge of his illustrious boxing career when he takes on Japan's Naoya Inoue on Tuesday morning.

Portlaoise-born fighter Doheny has spent most of his career outside Europe and will headline a big Tokyo fight against the number two pound-for-pound ranked Inoue.

A former World Champion himself, Doheny says he is happy to be competing with the best again.

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Speaking at the pre-fight press conference. he said: "My motivation has come from tasting being a world champion and trying to get back, but it is hard to get up for fights when they’re not world championship fights.

"I’ve always had the self-belief that I belong at this top table with these champions and I’ve always believed I’d get back here.

"It has taken me a bit longer than I imagined but I’ve enjoyed the climb and I’m ready to put on a good show on Tuesday."

And the 37-year-old sounded supremely confident ahead of the bout.

"Everything is in perfect condition I couldn’t ask to be in a better position right now and I’m really honoured to be challenging for the undisputed world championship."

But it's a tough task for Doheny when he takes on the undefeated undisputed Inoue. Ranked second only behind Oleksandr Usyk, the Japanese fighter is heavy favourite for the bout.

"I have the opportunity to make history, so I am highly motivated fighting for all the belts. Anyone who is an undisputed world champion deserves the utmost respect just because he is my opponent doesn’t make it any different, we know come Tuesday night the respect will go out the window until after the fight."

Doheny's fight will be broadcast on Sky Sports Plus at 7.30 am Irish time and the Irish Mirror will have live updates right here.

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