Junto Nakatani to Face Bam Rodriguez in a Flyweight Super Fight?
WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (16-0, 11KO) shocked the entire boxing community by stopping former champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. He sent a shockwave throughout the sport with that victory and an even bigger one announcing a move down to flyweight. It looks like IBF flyweight champion Junto Nakatani (23-0, 18KO) could be next.
Rodriguez has become an overnight star after beating two high-profile former world champions back-to-back. Both wins were in impressive fashion while proving he can fight on the top-tier level. However, Bam announced a move down to flyweight before the boxing community could sink their teeth into campaigning for him to fight multi-divisional champions Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, or “El Gallo” Juan Francisco Estrada.
There is no shortage of high-level fights at flyweight either, and all are mouth-watering events. Yet one champion could already be the frontrunner. The divisional champions are Julio Cesar Martinez (WBC), Artem Dalakian (WBA), and IBF champion Sunny Edwards, who has already cast his name in the hat.
WILL NAKATANI GET THE NOD?
WBO champion Junto Nakatani could have the inside track. Nakatani has been all over social media posting pictures of himself training in the United States, and he just so happened to be in attendance to witness the artwork of Rodriguez up close.
Fans still talk about his American debut where he got a stoppage after breaking the nose of former light flyweight champion Angel Acosta. According to Yahoo Japan, Nakatani is very interested in the fight, and has high hopes that it happens.
“I have a desire to raise my rank, and since I am a champion, I thought there was a good chance (of fighting Rodriguez in the future). I want to do it.”
Junto Nakatani, WBO flyweight champion
It also seems that Rodriguez welcomed the fight when asked about it.
“(He’s) a tall southpaw. The match will be special.”
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, WBC super flyweight champion
If this fight can get made, it would be a blockbuster event. Fans would pack the stadium to see two top-level fighters in their prime getting it on.
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By: Garrisson Bland
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