Lee Haskins vs Shohei Omori set for NYE in Japan

Lee Haskins will join the big world title brouhaha in Japan over New Year’s Eve, facing Shohei Omori on December 31 in Kyoto.

Haskins (34-3, 14 KO) has successfully defended his IBF bantamweight title two times this year, defeating Ivan Morales in May and Stuart Hall in September. Omori (17-1, 12 KO) has won two straight since a loss to Marlon Tapales in December 2015.

The 23-year-old Omori is making his first challenge for a world title in this fight. Haskins, 32, is a former British champion at both 115 and 118, and a former European bantamweight champion, as well.

Haskins says he’s taking the road risk for the experience:

"At this point in my career it's all about having experiences, I've fought my last two opponents at home now it will be nice to soak up the atmosphere in Japan," Haskins said.

"I have boxed in Spain, Belgium, France and Morocco so I'm no stranger to travel but each place brings something new and I look forward to seeing what Japan has to offer on New Year's Eve."