A Japanese veteran will face an up and coming European star at Shooto 30th Anniversary Tour in Tokyo on July 15th. Former featherweight champion Takeshi Inoue faces Dutchman Duane van Helvoirt at the Korakuen Hall.
Inoue (24-12) is a two time Shooto 145lbs champion who first fought for the promotion in 2003. He is coming off a stoppage loss to Mikuru Asakura at Rizin Heisei’s Last Yarennoka on New Year’s Eve.
During his 16 year career Inoue has fought for Dream, VTJ, Rebel FC and Rizin as well as Shooto. He challenged unsuccessfully for the Dream 145lbs title in 2011 and has been in with the likes of Hatsu Hioki, Kazuyuki Miyata, Caol Uno and Hiroyuki Takaya.
His opponent is not quite as decorated or experienced but is six years younger. Van Helvoirt (18-8) has spent virtually his entire career competing in Europe but is coming off a decision win over Uno at Shooto 30th Anniversary Tour, which took place in the same venue last month.
Also on the card undefeated Bantamweight prospect Kazuma Kuramoto (5-0) will be looking to make it six wins out of six for Shooto when he faces Tomoya Hirakawa (9-7).
Shooto 30th Anniversary Tour, Tokyo, July 15th
Takeshi Inoue vs. Duane van Helvoirt (Featherweight)
Tomoya Hirakawa vs. Kazuma Kuramoto (Bantamweight)
