Exciting Matchup for the WBC Bantamweight Championship
According to ESPN’s Chava Rodriguez, an exciting match is in the works between Japan’s Tenshin Nasukawa and Takuma Inoue for the vacant WBC bantamweight championship. This opportunity arises after Junto Nakatani vacated the title to move up in weight class, where he will headline a significant event alongside his brother, Naoya Inoue, later this year.
Future Implications for the Bantamweight Division
Should both fighters claim victory in December, Nakatani is set to take on Naoya Inoue for the undisputed super bantamweight title in 2026, leaving the bantamweight division ripe for fresh narratives.
Tenshin Nasukawa’s Transition to Boxing
Tenshin Nasukawa remains a memorable name in boxing, stemming from his well-publicized bout in 2018 against Floyd Mayweather at the age of 20. That New Year’s Eve fight in Saitama saw the seasoned and vastly more experienced Mayweather defeat the then-kickboxing sensation in just one round, dropping Nasukawa three times.
However, in the years since that defeat, Nasukawa has transitioned to boxing, now boasting a professional record of 7-0, including a notable win against former world champion Jason Moloney on Nakatani’s undercard in Tokyo. This performance has solidified his status as a serious competitor in the boxing realm, countering earlier perceptions of him as merely a novelty.
Takuma Inoue’s Challenge
Facing him in this emerging narrative is Takuma Inoue, the sibling of renowned pound-for-pound fighter Naoya Inoue. A former WBA bantamweight champion, Takuma is highly ranked within the WBC and presents a formidable challenge to any contender.
Reports indicate that discussions are ongoing for their bout to take place in November, potentially headlining events in Japan. The stakes are high: a victory for Takuma would mean that the Inoue brothers could hold championships simultaneously in both the bantamweight and super bantamweight classes, while a win for Nasukawa would mark a remarkable comeback after his initial loss to Mayweather, crowning him as WBC champion after just seven professional fights.
The Significance of the Match
The timing for this match could be pivotal, as Takuma aims to add to the legacy of the Inoue family while Nasukawa seeks to redefine his career post-kickboxing. The WBC’s decision to arrange this matchup signals a clever move in the boxing landscape, setting the stage for a compelling face-off in Japan that promises fireworks.
The victor will be on the fast track towards a clash with Naoya Inoue, potentially in 2026, symbolizing a significant progression in their respective careers and the future of Japanese boxing.
Expert Insights
Phil Jay, a respected voice in boxing journalism with over 15 years of experience and Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, has extensively covered the sport, providing insights and access to numerous champions globally.
