WBO Orders Purse Bid For Junto Nakatani vs Angel Acosta
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has clarified the proposed bout between flyweight champion Junto Nakatani (21-0, 16 KOs) and mandatory challenger Angel Acosta (22-2, 21 KOs).
In a May 26 notice sent to representatives of Nakatani and Acosta, the sanctioning organization has ordered a purse bid to be held on June 1 at 12:00 PM at their headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 3KingsBoxing obtained a copy of the official notice from the First-Vice President of the WBO, John Duggan.
It was thought the champ and the challenger to fight on May 29 in Japan. However, continuing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic put a wrench in those plans.
WHO WINS OUT?
Nakatani’s promoter Teiken and Acosta’s promoter, Golden Boy will battle to land the fight. The minimum purse bid is $80,000. Golden Boy is heavily invested in Acosta. They want to stage this fight in the United States.
If Teiken lands the fight, it will more than likely land in Japan. However, the Japanese world champ has trained and expressed an interest in fighting in the United States. Having witnessed compatriots and fellow world champions Kazuto Ioka, Naoya Inoue, and Hiroto Kyoguchi fight in the States, it’s not outside the realm he has eyes on fighting abroad as well.
Nakatani vs Acosta is one of the more intriguing fights that could happen right now in the lighter weight divisions. Once a deal is finalized, expect it to take place either this Summer or early Fall.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
