Naoya Inoue’s victory over Junto Nakatani marks a significant moment in Japanese boxing history, ending Nakatani’s perfect record. The fight took place at the Tokyo Dome in front of 55,000 fans.
Inoue defeated Nakatani to defend his undisputed super-bantamweight crown. He retained his WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO belts with scores of 116-112 from two judges and 115-113 from another.
Nakatani suffered his first professional defeat, dropping his record to 32 wins. This fight was notable for being a clash of two undefeated pound-for-pound punchers.
Inoue is a four-division champion. His performance showcased precise punches and smooth footwork, which helped him secure a unanimous decision.
During the fight, Nakatani suffered a cut over his right eye due to a head clash. Inoue stated, “He was a fighter with a strong heart. That’s what makes this win mean so much.”
Nakatani acknowledged Inoue’s skill, saying, “I came prepared so there were no surprises, but the champion was great.” This match is considered one of the biggest in Japanese boxing history.
Inoue’s victory further cements his place at the top of the pound-for-pound list. The implications of this fight may influence future matchups for both fighters.
