Press Conference Ahead of the Bout
On December 25, 2025, at the Global Theatre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, renowned super bantamweight boxer Naoya Inoue participated in a press conference ahead of his bout against David Picasso, where he defended his IBF, WBC, and WBO titles. Little did fans know, the anticipation for an even larger event was brewing just months away.
Upcoming Showdown: Inoue vs. Nakatani
The much-anticipated showdown between Inoue and fellow Japanese boxer Junto Nakatani is set to materialize on May 2, 2026, at the iconic Tokyo Dome. Both fighters have been building momentum towards this clash, which is poised to be a monumental event in Japanese boxing history.
“I will engage in a serious contest with Junto Nakatani in May at the Tokyo Dome,”
Inoue expressed, emphasizing the importance of this duel in a recent speech at the Japanese Boxing Awards.
Rivalry and Recent Performances
This rivalry has been simmering over the years and intensified when Nakatani declared his transition to super bantamweight last August. Their paths crossed just days earlier in Riyadh, with Inoue besting Picasso by unanimous decision and Nakatani securing a hard-fought victory against Serbastain Hernandez Reyes.
Originally speculated for a face-off in 2026, Inoue made headlines after he publicly challenged Nakatani following his own victory against MJ Akhmadaliev in September, a call that Nakatani readily embraced.
Fighter Records and Rankings
Inoue boasts an impressive track record of 32 wins with 27 knockouts and has made a mark as a four-division world champion, showcasing his prowess by winning all four of his bouts in 2025, despite facing adversity in a thrilling fight with Ramon Cardenas. In comparison, Nakatani also holds an undefeated record of 32-0 with 24 KOs, having shown solid skills during a three-fight run in the previous year, which included unifying the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles against Ryosuke Nishida.
Anticipation for the Duel
With Inoue ranked as the second-best pound-for-pound fighter and Nakatani in sixth place, this upcoming duel in Tokyo is anticipated to be a memorable clash, with both athletes aiming to solidify their legacies within the sport. Spectators are eagerly awaiting what many consider a potential turning point in Inoue’s career, as Nakatani is viewed by many experts as a serious contender who could finally hand him a defeat.
