In a display of mutual respect and admiration, reigning WBA bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue and Filipino challenger Jerwin Ancajas exchanged pleasantries and compliments during Thursday’s final press conference ahead of their highly anticipated showdown.

Speaking before a packed crowd at the Tokyo Dome Hotel ballroom, Inoue, the 28-year-old Japanese champion, expressed his utmost respect for Ancajas, labeling him as the best fighter he will ever face. Inoue went on to praise Ancajas, stating that he idolizes the Filipino boxer, who holds the IBF super-flyweight title.

The younger brother of Naoya Inoue, regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers globally, Takuma acknowledged Ancajas’ skill and accomplishments, setting the stage for an intriguing clash between two elite athletes in the bantamweight division.