{"id":638946,"date":"2026-04-29T19:11:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/638946\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:11:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:11:18","slug":"wbc-special-preview-naoya-inoue-vs-junto-nakatani","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/638946\/","title":{"rendered":"WBC Special Preview- Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani"},"content":{"rendered":"

WBC Special Preview- Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani<\/p>\n

WBC Super Bantamweight Championship<\/p>\n

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani<\/p>\n

Tokyo Dome<\/p>\n

\u00a0Tokyo, Japan<\/p>\n

May 2nd, 2026<\/p>\n

Japan: Lemino PPV | International: DAZN & ESPN Knockout<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ohashi Promotions Presents\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

NAOYA INOUE
\n\u00a0
\nJUNTO NAKATANI<\/p>\n

Nationality: Japan
\n\u00a0
\nNationality: Japan<\/p>\n

Date of Birth: April 10th, 1993
\n\u00a0
\nDate of Birth: January 2nd, 1998<\/p>\n

Birthplace: Zama, Kanagawa, Japan
\n\u00a0
\nBirthplace: Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan<\/p>\n

Residence: Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
\n\u00a0
\nResidence: Inabe-gun, Mie, Japan<\/p>\n

Age: 33
\n\u00a0
\nAge: 28<\/p>\n

Alias: The Monster
\n\u00a0
\nAlias: Big Bang<\/p>\n

Record: 32-0-0; 27 KO\u00b4s
\n\u00a0
\nRecord: 32-0-0, 24 KO\u00b4s<\/p>\n

KO Ratio: 84.38 %
\n\u00a0
\nKO Ratio: 75 %<\/p>\n

Stance: Orthodox
\n\u00a0
\nStance: Southpaw<\/p>\n

Rounds: 205
\n\u00a0
\nRounds:164<\/p>\n

World title fights: 27 (27-0-0; 23 KO\u2019s)
\n\u00a0
\nWorld Title Fights: 10 (10-0-0; 9KO\u00b4s)<\/p>\n

Manager: Hideyuki Ohashi
\n\u00a0
\nManager: Takeshi Murano<\/p>\n

Promoter: Ohashi Promotions
\n\u00a0
\nPromoter: Teiken Promotions<\/p>\n

Trainer: Shingo Inoue
\n\u00a0
\nTrainer: Rudy Hernandez<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Major Achievements<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

WBC Champion\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

NAOYA INOUE <\/p>\n

Current Undisputed Super Bantamweight<\/p>\n

Eight WBC Super Bantamweight defenses<\/p>\n

WBC Fighter of the Year 2025<\/p>\n

Brain Cancer Awareness Ambassador 2025<\/p>\n

WBC Fighter of the Year 2023<\/p>\n

Undisputed Bantamweight. 2022<\/p>\n

Bantamweight Champion. 2018-2022<\/p>\n

WBSS Champion \u2013 Diamond Belt. 2019<\/p>\n

Super Flyweight Champion. 2014-2017<\/p>\n

WBC Lt. Flyweight Champion. 2014<\/p>\n

OPBF Lt. Flyweight Champion. 2013<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Challenger\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

JUNTO NAKATANI<\/p>\n

WBC #1 Super Bantamweight<\/p>\n

WBC Bantamweight Champion. 2024-2025<\/p>\n

4 Defenses<\/p>\n

Unified Bantamweight Champion. 2025<\/p>\n

Super Flyweight Champion. 2023<\/p>\n

Flyweight Champion. 2020-2022<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

WBC Super Bantamweight Top 10 Fights <\/p>\n

February 19, 2000 \u2013 Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera I. An explosive Mexico vs Mexico rivalry featuring elite technical exchanges and sustained aggression, regarded as one of the greatest battles in boxing history.<\/p>\n

March 1, 2008 \u2013 Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez III A definitive chapter in a legendary multi-fight series, marked by incredible momentum shifts and a dramatic final round that secured \u201cFight of the Year\u201d honors.<\/p>\n

December 3, 1982 \u2013 Wilfredo Gomez vs. Lupe Pintor.\u00a0 An epic confrontation between two hall of famers, showcasing exceptional courage and endurance before Gomez secured a late-stoppage victory in 14 rounds in a classic Mexico Vs Puerto Rico Rivalry.<\/p>\n

July\u00a0 25, 2023 \u2013 Naoya Inoue vs. Stephen Fulton. A masterclass in modern boxing where Inoue utilized superior power and timing to dominate a previously unbeaten and highly skilled champion, concluding with an impressive TKO in 8 rounds.<\/p>\n

October 28, 1978 \u2013 Wilfredo Gomez vs. Carlos Zarate. A historic clash between undefeated champions. Zarate (52-0-0) tried to capture Gomez (21-0-1) Super-bantamweight title. Again, Puerto Rico dominated Mexico.<\/p>\n

March 3, 2007 \u2013 Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez I. The brutal introduction to a historic series, characterized by high-level tactical intensity and a physical endurance that set the stage for their future encounters.<\/p>\n

May 6, 2024 \u2013 Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery. A high-stakes drama featuring the first knockdown of Inoue in his pro career, followed by a resilient and methodical counter-attack to secure an epic knockout victory in the first fight at the Tokyo Dome since the 1990 legendary KO from Buster Douglas to Mike Tyson.<\/p>\n

September 6, 1997 \u2013 Daniel Zaragoza vs. Erik Morales. A significant \u201cpassing of the torch\u201d bout where the veteran champion\u2019s craftiness was eventually overcome by the new Mexican superstar\u2019s relentless power. Erik Morales got the triumph in the 11th round by KO.<\/p>\n

November 27, 2021 \u2013 Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Brandon Figueroa. A high-volume clash pitting elite defensive boxing against non-stop pressure, resulting in a narrow and highly competitive decision.<\/p>\n

May 23, 2009 \u2013 Toshiaki Nishioka vs. Jhonny Gonzalez.\u00a0 A stunning display of resilience where Nishioka overcame a first round knockdown to deliver a spectacular one punch\u00a0 knockout in Johny Gonzalez hometown defending his title in dramatic way.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

WBC Super Bantamweight Top Ten Champions<\/p>\n

Wilfredo Gomez (Puerto Rico)
\nLeo Santa Cruz (M\u00e9xico)<\/p>\n

Erik Morales (Mexico)
\nToshiaki Nishioka (Japan)<\/p>\n

Jeff Fenech (Australia)
\nRoyal Kobayashi (Japan)<\/p>\n

Israel Vazquez (Mexico)
\nAbner Mares (M\u00e9xico)<\/p>\n

Tracy Patterson (USA)
\nOscar Larios (M\u00e9xico)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Japan vs Japan Great Fights<\/p>\n

December 14, 1967. Hiroshi Kobayashi vs. Yoshiaki Numata. WBC Super Featherweight. Kobayashi knocked out Numata in round 12 to become the WBC champion, marking one of the first major \u201cAll-Japan\u201d world title clashes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

March 19, 2022 . Kenshiro Teraji vs. Masamichi Yabuki II \u2013 WBC Light Flyweight <\/p>\n

Teraji suffered his first professional loss and lost to Masamichi Yabuki. Teraji had tested positive COVID positive\u00a0 just weeks before the fight looking uncharacteristically sluggish, he was stopped in the 10th round. The rematch was a clinical display of redemption.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

March 13, 2025 , Kenshiro Teraji vs. Seigo Yuri Akui \u2013 WBC Light Flyweight Akui used his physical strength in order to lead on two of the three official scorecards going into the final round.In a dramatic turn of events in the last round, Kenshiro Teraji secured the stoppage.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

November 24, 2025. Takuma Inoue vs. Tenshin Nasukawa \u2013 WBC Bantamweight Takuma Inoue was crowned WBC\u00a0 Champion by defeating his compatriot Tenshin Nasukawa\u00a0 by unanimous decision. Inoue proved that his superior experience was the determining factor, especially in the championship rounds.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

December 4, 1994 \u2013 Yasuei Yakushiji vs. Joichiro Tatsuyoshi \u2013 WBC Bantamweight. The fight was built on a fierce rivalry and great media coverage, with Tatsuyoshi entering as the favorite. Yakushijo got the victory by MD proving he was the best Bantamweight of Japan.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

General Information <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

This event will be the 4th Boxing Show hosted at the legendary Tokyo Dome.<\/p>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Naoya and Takuma Inoue are scheduled to defend their respective world titles on the same night, marking a rare milestone for the sport and the WBC as\u00a0 the Inoue brothers\u2019 highlight their simultaneous dominance at the elite level<\/p>\n

A total of 34 world champions have been recognized by the WBC in the Super Bantamweight division.
\nOnly two fighters have regained the title: Daniel Zaragoza (two times) and Israel V\u00e1zquez.
\nWilfredo G\u00f3mez holds the record for most WBC Super Bantam title defenses with 17.
\nDaniel Zaragoza was champion during three distinct stages, recording a total of 14 defenses.
\nMexico has produced 13 champions, followed by the United States (7) and Japan (6)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Inoue vs. Nakatani: Only the 4th Boxing Event in Dome History <\/p>\n

The Tokyo Dome, known worldwide as \u201cThe Big Egg,\u201d is not just the home of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team; it is a cathedral of boxing that only opens its doors for history-altering events. With only four major boxing cards held since its inauguration in 1988, every time the bell rings in this venue, the world stands still.<\/p>\n

Mike Tyson vs Tony Tubbs<\/p>\n

The Dome\u2019s relationship with boxing began with Mike Tyson. On March 21, 1988, Tyson inaugurated the venue\u00a0 by facing Tony Tubbs. At the time, \u201cIron Mike\u201d was a force of nature and dispatched Tubbs in just two rounds, proving he was the baddest man on earth. This was Tyson\u00b4s sixth WBC title defense.<\/p>\n

Mike Tyson vs James Douglas<\/p>\n

However, the Tokyo Dome also witnessed the end of an era. In 1990, Tyson returned to face James \u201cBuster\u201d Douglas. What appeared to be a routine defense resulted in the greatest upset in sports history: Douglas knocked out Tyson in round 10 shattering his undefeated streak and leaving an indelible mark on Japanese soil. A Fight also known as \u201cthe Long Count\u201d.<\/p>\n

Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery<\/p>\n

Thirty-four years passed before boxing returned to the Tokyo giant. The task of breaking that fast fell to the local idol and current pound-for-pound king, Naoya \u201cThe Monster\u201d Inoue. In May 2024, Inoue faced Mexico\u2019s Luis Nery in an electrifying bout. Despite Inoue being knocked down in the first round for the first time in his career, he rose to deliver a masterclass and knocked out Nery in\u00a0 five spectacular rounds, unifying the super bantamweight division and restoring the Tokyo Dome\u2019s status as the epicenter of world boxing<\/p>\n

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani<\/p>\n

The history of the Tokyo Dome will add a new chapter this May 2026. Naoya Inoue is expected to return to his \u201chome\u201d to face the most dangerous rival of his recent career.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

WBC Super Bantamweight Champions<\/p>\n

Name
\nChampionship Period<\/p>\n

1.- Rigoberto Riasco (Panam\u00e1)
\n1976<\/p>\n

2.- Royal Kobayashi (Japan)
\n1976<\/p>\n

3.- Dong-Kyun Yum (Korea)
\n1976-1977<\/p>\n

4.- Wilfredo Gomez (Puerto Rico)
\n1977-1982<\/p>\n

5.- Jaime Garza (USA)
\n1983-1984<\/p>\n

6.- Juan Meza (USA)
\n1984-1985<\/p>\n

7.- Guadalupe Pintor (Mexico)
\n1985-1986<\/p>\n

8.- Samart Payakaroon (Thailand)
\n1986-1987<\/p>\n

9.- Jeff Fenech (Australia)
\n1987-1988<\/p>\n

10.- Daniel Zaragoza (Mexico)
\n1988-1990<\/p>\n

11.- Paul Banke (USA)
\n1990<\/p>\n

12.- Pedro Decima (Argentina)
\n1990-1991<\/p>\n

13.- Kiyoshi Hatanaka (Japan)
\n1991<\/p>\n

14.- Daniel Zaragoza (Mexico) *
\n1991-1992<\/p>\n

15.- Thierry Jacob (France)
\n1992<\/p>\n

16.- Tracy Patterson (USA)
\n1992-1994<\/p>\n

17.- Hector Acero Sanchez (Dom.)
\n1994-1995<\/p>\n

18.- Daniel Zaragoza (Mexico) *
\n1995-1997<\/p>\n

19.- Erik Morales (Mexico)
\n1997-2000<\/p>\n

20.- Willie Jorrin (USA)
\n2000-2002<\/p>\n

21.- Oscar Larios (M\u00e9xico)
\n2002-2005<\/p>\n

22.- Israel Vazquez (M\u00e9xico)
\n2005-2007<\/p>\n

23.- Rafael Marquez (M\u00e9xico)
\n2007<\/p>\n

24.- Israel Vazquez (M\u00e9xico)
\n2007-2008<\/p>\n

25.- Toshiaki Nishioka (Japan)
\n2008-2012<\/p>\n

26.- Abner Mares (M\u00e9xico)
\n2012-2013<\/p>\n

27.- V\u00edctor Terrazas (M\u00e9xico)
\n2013<\/p>\n

28.- Leo Santa Cruz (M\u00e9xico)
\n2013-2015<\/p>\n

29.- Julio Ceja (M\u00e9xico)
\n2015-2016<\/p>\n

30.- Hugo Ruiz (M\u00e9xico)
\n2016<\/p>\n

31.- Hozumi Hasegawa (Japan)
\n2016<\/p>\n

32.- Rey Vargas (M\u00e9xico)
\n2017-2020<\/p>\n

33.- Tomoki Kameda (Japan) Interim
\n2018<\/p>\n

34.- Luis Nery (M\u00e9xico)
\n2020-2021<\/p>\n

35.- Brandon Figueroa (USA)
\n2021<\/p>\n

36.- Stephen Fulton (USA)
\n2021-2023<\/p>\n

37. Naoya Inoue (Japan)
\n2023-<\/p>\n

* Regained<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Naoya and Takuma Inoue: WBC World Champion Brothers <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

On May 2nd, the boxing world will witness a rare and monumental display of sibling excellence. The Inoue brothers are set to share the ring on the same card, both entering as proud WBC World Champions. This event marks a crowning achievement for the family, as they defend the prestigious Green and Gold belts in the Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight divisions.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

World Champion Siblings<\/p>\n

Name
\nCity<\/p>\n

1.-Abe Atell & Monte Atell
\nUSA<\/p>\n

2.-Joe Dundee & Vince Dundee
\nUSA<\/p>\n

3.-Leo Cruz & Carlos Teo Cruz
\nDominican Rep.<\/p>\n

4.-Ricardo Arredondo & Rene Arredondo
\nMexico<\/p>\n

5.-Prudencio Cardona & Ricardo Cardona
\nColombia<\/p>\n

6.-Leon Spinks & Michael Spinks
\nUSA<\/p>\n

7.-Donald Curry & Bruce Curry
\nUSA<\/p>\n

8.-Crisanto Espa\u00f1a & Ernesto Espa\u00f1a
\nVenezuela<\/p>\n

9.-Maurizio Stecca & Loris Stecca
\nItaly<\/p>\n

10.-Terry Norris & Orlin Norris
\nUSA<\/p>\n

11.-Gerry Pe\u00f1alosa & Dodie Pe\u00f1alosa
\nPhilippines<\/p>\n

12.-Khaosai Galaxy & Kaokhor Galaxy
\nThailand<\/p>\n

13.-Orlando Canizales & Gaby Canizales
\nUSA<\/p>\n

14.-Ralf Rocchigianni & Graciano Rocchigianni
\nGermany<\/p>\n

15.-Phichit & Phichitnoi Sithbangprachan
\nThailand<\/p>\n

16.-Chana Porpaoin & Songkram Porpaoin
\nThailand<\/p>\n

17.-Ratanapol & Ratanachai Sor Voraphin
\nThailand<\/p>\n

18.-Rafael Ruelas & Gabriel Ruelas
\nMexico<\/p>\n

19.-Jimmy Bredahl & Johnny Bredahl
\nDenmark<\/p>\n

20.-Christophe Tiozzo & Fabrice Tiozzo
\nFrance<\/p>\n

21.-Wladimir Klitschko & Vitaly Klitschko
\nUkraine<\/p>\n

22.-Erik Morales & Diego Morales
\nMexico<\/p>\n

23.-Juan Manuel Marquez & Rafael Marquez
\nMexico<\/p>\n

24.-Robert Garcia & Mikey Garcia
\nUSA<\/p>\n

25.-Ulises Solis & Jorge Solis
\nMexico<\/p>\n

26.-Koki, Daiki & Tomoki Kameda
\nJapan<\/p>\n

27.-Ana Maria Torres & Silvia Torres
\nMexico<\/p>\n

28.-Raul Garcia & Ramon Garcia
\nMexico<\/p>\n

29.-Roberto Duran & Santiago Samaniego
\nPanama<\/p>\n

30.-Jose Armando & Leo Santa Cruz
\nMexico<\/p>\n

31.-Rigoberto Alvarez & Saul Canelo Alvarez
\nMexico<\/p>\n

32.-Mariana Juarez & Lourdez Juarez
\nMexico<\/p>\n

33.-Lucas & Edith Soledad Matthysse
\nArgentina<\/p>\n

34.-Naoya Inoue & Takuma Inoue
\nJapan<\/p>\n

35.-Jermall Charlo & Jermell Charlo
\nUSA<\/p>\n

36.-Cindy Serrano & Amanda Serrano
\nPuerto Rico<\/p>\n

37.-Omar Figueroa & Brandon Figueroa
\nMexico<\/p>\n

38.-David Benavidez & Jose Benavidez
\nUSA<\/p>\n

39.-Felix Alvarado & Rene Alvarado
\nNicaragua<\/p>\n

40.-Joshua Franco & Jesse Rodriguez
\nUSA<\/p>\n

41.-Daniel Dubois & Caroline Dubois
\nUnited Kingdom<\/p>\n

42.-Yudai Shigeoka & Ginjiro Shigeoka
\nJapan<\/p>\n

43.-Sebastian & Gabriela Fundora
\nUSA<\/p>\n

44.-McJoe & McWilliams Arroyo
\nPuerto Rico<\/p>\n

45.-Gary & Gary A. Russell
\nUSA<\/p>\n

46.-Sunny & Charlie Edwards
\nUnited Kingdom<\/p>\n

47.-Liam & Callum Smith
\nUnited Kingdom<\/p>\n

48.-Andrew & Jason Moloney
\nAustralia<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Monster and Big Bang Shebang<\/p>\n

By James Blears<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Forget King Kong vs. Godzilla\u2026 for this is The Monster vs. Big Bang, intervening, intertwined with the power and the glory, all wrapped up in one helluva story, still to be told and yet to unfold.<\/p>\n

Dateline May 2nd, in the fifty-seven thousand capacity Tokyo Dome. The most spectacular high impact night of fight in the entire history of Japanese Boxing. As, undefeated, undisputed, up to now unrivalled super-bantamweight champion, Superstar Naoya \u201cMonster\u201d Inoue, defends his crown against also undefeated would-be Supernova usurper Junto \u201cBig Bang\u201d Nakatani.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Take a moment to contemplate its sheer enormity. Naoya has won titles sweeping through four weight divisions like a dose of salts, and he\u2019s undisputed in two. Came, saw and conquered. Then there\u2019s Junto, who has won world titles in three divisions. Between them they have clocked up fifty-one KO\u2019s in sixty-four combined bouts of tempered kinetic mayhem. Inoue 32-0, 27 KO\u2019s. On the other hand, which is southpaw 32-0, 24 KO\u2019s for Nakatani.<\/p>\n

Handshakes, bows and polite, formal respect. No need to harangue Big Bang, vice-versa or even worser, because that sort of trash-talk verbiage would be futile garbage. Both have already categorically proved that their actions and deeds speak clarion louder than their words. Both are softly spoken yet both carry a big stick. For the moment, let\u2019s leave those well-chosen words of praise plus wisdom to the expert analysts, and none better than the Great Teddy Atlas.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Of Naoya Teddy says: \u201cI\u2019ve always favoured the 1930\u2019s, 60\u2019s, 70\u2019s and 80\u2019s, as Boxing\u2019s best. But Inoue could have fought with the greatest of any era. He\u2019s the full package, which consists of speed, power, smarts, technique, brains, instinct, timing and controlled ferocity. Simply special!\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to Junto, Teddy enthuses: \u201cHe can fight on the outside. He probably should for the most part. He can control range. He can set up counters. He\u2019s got good legs, he can use the ring. He can make you walk into mistakes. Then\u2026 all of a sudden, he takes that height and reach and shrinks himself down. He goes inside and fights like Joe Frazier. Then he fights like Jake LaMotta. He\u2019s unbelievable!\u201d<\/p>\n

So, after rightfully singing their praises, let\u2019s gauge their blemishes and imperfections, as after all, they\u2019re only human and born to make mistakes. Naoya, who loves to swarm in two fisted, can then be susceptible and vulnerable if a gap can be found through the chainmail of his Harry Greb style windmill attack. The most effective weapon of choice for that purpose, is the left hook. In their first and epic encounter Nonito Donaire inflicted considerable damage in round two. His left hook, fractured Naoya\u2019s right orbital bone, sliced open his brow, broke his nose and rendered him with double vision for the rest of the fight. Just one punch did all that!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Characteristic of a champion Naoya, overcame the pain, refrained from fretting about injuries, went on to put down a tiring Nonito in round eleven with a hellacious left hook to the liver, and won a career defining UD. The rematch was brief and clinical and cataclysmic. Former two division southpaw champion Luis Nery felled Naoya in round one. Shocked and chastened Naoya got up and finished the round cautiously. In round two he dropped Nery with a jarring counter left and again in round five. Then in for the coup de grace in the sixth via a massive crumpling cannonade right and moments later, the Referee stopped the fight.<\/p>\n

Yet again and this time against rugged Ramon Cardenas an early shock, as Naoya was decked in round two with that nagging left hook, and all of a sudden, he had a nose bleed. Wicked, sinking body shots slowed down Ramon, who was decked by two pinpoint rights in the seventh and saved by the bell, but then and by this time ragged, overwhelmed in the eighth by an unremitting barrage. He was being pummelled from pillar to post and then on to the ropes. So, the left hook can pose problems for Naoya Inoue early on, and Junto Nakatani is a southpaw. Junto specializes in left hooks and uppercuts. Beware and be aware Naoya Inoue!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Junto came close to blotting his copybook in a rocky debut as a super-bantamweight, against the fast and hard-hitting Sebastian Hernandez, who threw clusters of rapid-fire punches and came on strong in the second half of the fight. Junto won a UD, but it was far from convincing or comfortable. Putting a brave face on it, he ruefully conceded: \u201cIt was a great learning experience for me. My opponent put up a great fight and it enabled me to grow accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interestingly Naoya, who was closely observing this fight took a salient positive from a negative by generously saying: \u201cIt\u2019s made Junto a stronger boxer. So, I\u2019ll have to be on my toes and ready to go on fight night.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Naoya, Junto will also encounter a volume puncher, who is even more accurate and gains top marks by hitting a great deal harder, especially denting the body. Failure to adjust to that, would lead to severe pruning, curtailing growth.<\/p>\n

Hopefully, Naoya will have rested and recuperated after his four fights crammed into 2025, which bordered on a bridge too far, even for him. As he himself said: \u201cI\u2019m very happy to have won four fights in one year. But, I\u2019m actually really tired, so I would love to rest for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Naoya is thirty-three. He\u2019s five feet five inches tall and his reach extends 67.5 inches. Junto is five years younger, three inches taller, yet his reach is only one inch longer. Significant, as they\u2019re both ambitious to reach for the sky. Neither has ever tasted the bitter cud of defeat. Naoya has earned his nickname. He\u2019s ruthless, executes effortlessly efficiently and is right up there with Grendel, The Jabberwock and The Kraken. Junto is an ice cool, calculated axe-man, who can finish it at any moment with just one blast. Sometimes, the best to last, to which Andrew Moloney can attest. As the children\u2019s poem chillingly beckons: \u201cHere comes the candle to light you to bed\u2026 and here comes the chopper, to chop off your head!\u201d Junto is tutored in the Mexican manner in LA by Rudy Hernandez. While Naoya prefers to keep it in the family.<\/p>\n

Coaching, training and fighting are the required sum of the parts of the whole, but there are yet more ingredients and intangibles involved. The brilliantly perceptive and adaptive Angelo Dundee said: \u201cGreat coaching isn\u2019t about forming a mold- it\u2019s about understanding an individual. Every fighter has a different rhythm, mindset and set of strengths. Trying to copy someone else can limit what makes a person unique.\u201d<\/p>\n

A fighter studying an upcoming opponent can assess strengths, vulnerabilities and foibles. But gauging mindset on the night of the fight, is altogether more difficult. And when two great fighters are matched and ignite, it can boil up and then down to who wants it the most, and who is prepared to dig down deepest into that mine, to extract the uncut diamond.<\/p>\n

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Will their sublime time extend to the full clocked distance, opening the doors wide to a rematch or even a trilogy? Or will it, as I believe end, with one of them inflicting just too much for the other to withstand, as knuckle renders buckle. We are going to witness Greatness tried and tested to its outer limits. Both are composed and ready to encounter the impending storm.<\/p>\n

Junto\u2019s best weapons are his counter left hook, straight left, searing uppercuts, but also his pinpoint range-finder distance judgement. While Naoya\u2019s lances lie in his lightning advances, clobbering, crunching and sinking body punches plus his ensuing sparking jolts to the head, which shock.<\/p>\n

Wonderful, fitting, appropriate and apt if all-time Great Masahiko \u201cFighting\u201d Harada who celebrated his eighty-third birthday on April 5th and is President of the Japanese Boxing Association, could be in attendance, to bestow his blessing on and anoint this historic fight, along with an accompanying constellation of Stars. As pioneers, they charted the course and then embarked upon the voyage for Japanese boxing globally. While domestically, they themselves strived, by preparing the ground into which the seed was sowed, growing into the most exquisite cherry tree blossom. It would also dovetail in perfectly with the Japanese reverence and respect for tradition. What goes around comes around. The sun rises, reaches noon zenith, sets and then Planet Earth re-aligns itself for the next dawn to emerge over The Land of The Rising Sun.<\/p>\n

Civility, civvy street attire, but on this night of all nights, just pure willpower, directing and governing firepower. As in the duet of Sinatra and Crosby crooned: \u201cWhat a swell party.\u201d And the poet Kaitlyn Caddelle observes: \u201cThe sun sets, the moon rises and off come all the disguises.\u201d<\/p>\n

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