Junto Naktani Stops Ryosuke Nishida Then Warns Inoue
Junto “Big Bang” Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs) checked off another box on his agenda as he became a unified world bantamweight champion with a sixth-round stoppage over Ryosuke Nishida (10-1, 2 KOs). In the not too distant future, a new challenge is likely ahead for Nakatani in the form of a showdown with the reigning undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs).
At the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, Japan, Nakatani’s battle with Nishida was all action from the opening bell. Nishida was the aggressor and got Nakatani’s respect with a solid right hook to the midsection in round one. However, there’s a reason that Big Bang is one of the elite fighters in the world.
MAKING THE ADJUSTMENTS
Starting in round three, Nakatani began to utilize the jab and box from the outside. It created space to land with an assortment of punches. The punishment took its toll on Nishida, who began to show significant swelling around his right eye.
Nishida showed all the heart in the world and continued to attack, but the bout became a one-sided affair in favor of Nakatani. By the end of round six, Nishida’s right eye was swollen shut, and he was also battling a right-shoulder injury. Before the start of round seven, Nishida’s corner had seen enough and would not allow him to continue.
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON
Once again, Nakatani was in devastating form. The 27-year-old has established himself as the best at 118. An interesting observer in attendance was Inoue. During the post-fight interview, Nakatani told Inoue not to go anywhere because he was coming for him.
Inoue versus Nakatani would be a super-fight in the lower-weight divisions and arguably the biggest matchup in the history of Japanese boxing. Throughout boxing circles, the expectation is that they will face one another at some point in early 2026.
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