Japanese world champion Takuma Inoue will assume the role of the challenger when he makes the first defense of his World Boxing Association bantamweight crown against Jerwin Ancajas on 24 February in Tokyo.

"I'm in a challenger state of mind," Inoue told boxing scene less than two weeks before their scheduled 12-round clash at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.

Though the slight betting favorite, Inoue swears he has to come up with a terrific gameplan given the Filipino southpaw's wealth of experience, skill set and punching power.

When he reigned as world champion at super-flyweight from 2016 until 2022, Ancajas made nine defenses, traveling all over the world and beating quality opposition.

Ancajas, who had to go up in weight after experiencing weight difficulties, has a 34-3-2 ledger with 23 knockouts.

Inoue, whose younger brother Naoya is the undisputed super-bantamweight king, admits he will be up against a formidable foe very soon.

"Jerwin is a well-rounded fighter that has good technique and power," added Inoue, who packs an 18-1 mark with four knockouts.

Ancajas, meanwhile, is slowing down in his preparation for his first fight in Japan in time for his departure from Manila to Japan this weekend.

All is set for the title match as the WBA has released the names of the referee, three judges and fight supervisor.

Mark Nelson from Minnesota will be the third man on the ring while serving as judges are Kim Byung Woo of Korea, Luigi Boscarelli of Italy and Alex Levin of Florida.