Top Japanese prospect Mizuki Inoue returns to Shoot Boxing in search of another big win on April 13th. The 17-year-old karateka faces 2011 Girls S-Cup semi-finalist Mina at Shoot Boxing 2012: “Road To S-Cup, Act.2” in Tokyo, Japan. Promotional officials announced the bout earlier today.

Two-time Girls S-Cup champion Rena Kubota was also set to compete on the April 13th card, but she has been forced out due to a fractured foot that will require surgery. An opponent had not yet been announced for Kubota and a timetable for the promotional poster girl’s return is currently unknown.

Inoue (3-1-0 MMA, 2-1-0 SB) is coming off of an upset victory over Shoot Boxing Japan Women’s Flyweight Champion Ai Takahashi in February and most recently returned to MMA competition with a submission victory at Jewels: “18th Ring” this past month. Inoue remains one of Japan’s brightest female prospects and she has had considerable success in kickboxing in addition to her forays into MMA and shoot boxing. Her opponent, Mina, entered the 2011 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup and earned a decision victory over “V.V” Mei Yamaguchi in the quarterfinal round before losing to Seo Hee Ham in the semis later in the night. She looks to take a step towards this year’s Girls S-Cup at Inoue’s expense.

The next round of bouts will take place on June 3rd at “Road to S-Cup, Act.3,” while the one-night Girls S-Cup tournament will be held on a date to be determined in August.

(Photo Credit: Jewels blog)