Naoya Inoue’s victory over Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome marks a significant moment in Japanese boxing history, ending Nakatani’s perfect record. This fight saw Inoue defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown against an undefeated rival.
The bout unfolded in front of a sell-out crowd of 55,000 fans, all eager to witness this clash of two undefeated pound-for-pound punchers. Inoue retained his WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO belts with scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 115-113.
Nakatani entered the ring with an impressive 32-fight record—an undefeated streak that now stands broken. His first professional defeat came after a tough match characterized by precise punches and smooth footwork from Inoue.
Inoue described Nakatani as “a fighter with a strong heart. That’s what makes this win mean so much.” The fight was touted as one of Inoue’s toughest tests due to Nakatani’s size and southpaw stance.
Nakatani acknowledged Inoue’s skill, stating, “I came prepared so there were no surprises, but the champion was great.” His performance included suffering a cut over his right eye due to a head clash during the bout.
This victory further cements Inoue’s place at the top of the pound-for-pound list and highlights his status as a four-division champion. Fans are left wondering what challenges lie ahead for both fighters after such a monumental match.
