Portlaoise boxer punches his way back into World Title contention with victory in Japan

Portlaoise's TJ Doheny has pushed himself back into the reckoning for another World Title shot as he beat home favourite Kazuki Nakajima on Thursday night in Japan.

The Australian-based fighter who fights out of Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia returned to Korakuen Hall for the bout. It was Doheny's second win in the venue as he famously captured the IBF Super Bantamweight belt back in 2019 after beating Ryosuke Iwasa.

Doheny, who is a graduate of the Portlaoise Boxing Club, was rewarded with the WBO Asain Pacific title following his victory. He stopped his opponent in the fourth-round with Doheny dropping his opponent twice before the referee called a stop to the contest.

The fight was billed as a make or break for the 36-year-old after his defeat to Sam Goodman on March 12. 'The Power' now holds a record of 24 wins and four losses with 18 victories coming by way of KO.