This fight marks a significant domestic showdown in Japanese boxing, as Naoya Inoue faces compatriot Junto Nakatani for the first time in nearly a decade. Both fighters boast impressive records, with Inoue defending his undisputed junior featherweight championship against Nakatani at the iconic Tokyo Dome.
The stakes are high. Inoue, ranked No. 2 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, remains undefeated with a record of 32 wins and 0 losses, including 27 KOs. Meanwhile, Nakatani holds a similar record of 32-0, with 24 KOs, making this matchup even more intriguing.
That context matters because both fighters have established themselves as elite competitors. Inoue has become undisputed in two divisions — a remarkable feat achieved by only three boxers in history. His last fight was a decision win over David Picasso, while Nakatani edged out Sebastian Hernandez with scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 118-110.
As they prepare for this showdown, betting odds favor Inoue at -400. Yet, analysts remain divided on the outcome. Alexandro Santiago noted, “This is going to be a good fight. Each fighter has his own style.” Conversely, Jorge Linares predicts it will be very close and leans towards Nakatani.
This fight is not just about titles; it’s about pride. The last Japanese fighter Inoue faced was Kohei Kono back in late 2016. Since then, he has fought opponents from various countries including Mexico and the USA. Now, he returns to face a fellow countryman — an event that resonates deeply within the realm of Japanese boxing.
But what can we expect moving forward? Nakatani is making his second appearance at junior featherweight and will likely leverage his reach advantage effectively. As Santiago pointed out, “Nakatani is going to use his reach to his advantage — he knows how to use it really well.” This adds another layer of complexity to the bout.
The anticipation surrounding this fight is palpable. Fans eagerly await what could be a historic moment in Japanese boxing history. Both fighters are determined to maintain their undefeated status while aiming for supremacy in the super bantamweight division.