TJ Doheny’s opponent confirmed for first world title defence

TJ Doheny won't have much time to research his next opponent.

While it's commonplace for up-and-coming fighters to receive news of an opponent on short notice, world champions typically have plenty of time to prepare specifically for a challenger. Closing out what turned out to be whirlwind week for TJ Doheny, the Portlaoise man has found out who he will be fighting next weekend. On Monday, Doheny signed a deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and the first defence of his IBF World Super-Bantamweight title was confirmed for the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden on January 18. https://twitter.com/MatchroomBoxing/status/1084473532573204480 We had to wait for news of an opponent but it's finally arrived as it's been confirmed that Doheny will defend against Japan's Ryohei Takahashi on Friday night. Takahashi will be the second consecutive Japanese opponent to share the ring with the undefeated Doheny, who became a world champion by claiming a unanimous decision over Ryosuke Iwasa in Japan last August. "I am absolutely ecstatic to be joining the principal team in professional boxing today," said Doheny after signing with Matchroom. "I believe with Matchroom Boxing and my management team at MTK Global I have the perfect blend to help me achieve my ultimate goals in the sport of boxing. "I am really excited to getting the ball rolling with my first defence on January 18 at Madison Square Garden. This fight will give me the momentum I need going into really big year."