Junto Nakatani’s Transition to Super-Bantamweight
Junto Nakatani, an accomplished boxer aiming for a showdown with Naoya Inoue, is set to relinquish his unified bantamweight championship titles, as reported by a reputable boxing insider from Japan. The undefeated fighter, who currently holds an impressive record of 31 wins with 24 knockouts, is preparing to transition up to the super-bantamweight division, where Inoue reigns as the undisputed champion.
Upcoming Match Plans
In an exciting development for boxing fans, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum is collaborating with Hideyuki Ohashi, Inoue’s promoter, to arrange this highly anticipated match, projected to take place in the early months of 2026. Inoue’s upcoming schedule is becoming solidified under the guidance of Turki Alalshikh, as he is set to first face Murodjon Akhmadaliev, his mandatory challenger.
Should Inoue emerge victorious, it will clear the path for him to fight David Picasso in December. Following a break, Inoue is expected to face Nakatani, providing the latter with a rare opportunity to challenge for the title next year.
Nakatani’s Strategic Moves
Recognizing the importance of maintaining his undefeated status, Nakatani is preparing for the transition to super-bantamweight by planning to fight at least one or two opponents who have previously faced Inoue. One contender under consideration is Ramon Cardenas, who battled Inoue last month, showcasing a commendable effort before succumbing in the eighth round. This matchup would be a fitting debut for Nakatani at the new weight class later this year.
Future Opportunities
Once Nakatani establishes himself at 122 pounds, he could either wait for Inoue’s matches against MJ and Picasso to conclude or seek other challenges from Inoue’s past rivals. Potential matchups could include fighters like Nonito Donaire or Jason Moloney, who would provide valuable experience before facing Inoue. Nakatani has already proven himself in the United States with wins over Angel Acosta and Andrew Moloney.
Anticipation for the Clash
Details on the forthcoming matchups are expected to be announced soon, and it is evident that a clash between Inoue and Nakatani promises to be a monumental event for Asian boxing, assuming both athletes maintain their unbeaten records until they meet.
