When Japhethlee Llamido was introduced to Naoya "The Monster" Inoue, he quickly realized that the boxer didn't entirely live up to his nickname.

"He carries himself like a gentleman and is very respectful," says Llamido, a 19-year-old Filipino-American boxer, before adding that "he has a good jab, power and timing."

Monsters and men: Naoya 'The Monster' Inoue (right) and Japhethlee Llamido take a picture in the sparring ring in Yokohama. | HIDEKI SATO
Monsters and men: Naoya 'The Monster' Inoue (right) and Japhethlee Llamido take a picture in the sparring ring in Yokohama. | HIDEAKI SATO