Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani: Undisputed Super-Bantamweight Showdown at Tokyo Dome
Undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue puts all four belts on the line against unbeaten three-division titlist Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome on Saturday, May 2.
Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani: Undisputed Super-Bantamweight Showdown at Tokyo Dome
Saturday, May 2, 2026 marks one of the most anticipated nights in Japanese boxing history. Undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya "The Monster" Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) defends all four major world titles — WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO — against unbeaten three-division titlist Junto Nakatani (27-0, 21 KOs) at the iconic Tokyo Dome.
The Stakes
This is a rare all-Japanese undisputed championship clash between two unbeaten fighters. Inoue, currently ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound by The Ring magazine, is looking to cement his legacy as the greatest Japanese boxer of all time. Nakatani, a former WBO minimumweight and light flyweight champion, has been on a relentless march upward and represents the most dangerous domestic challenger Inoue has ever faced.
Key Matchup Factors
Inoue's power and speed are legendary — he has stopped 24 of his 27 opponents and has never been knocked down as a professional. His combination punching and body attack are elite-level, and his footwork allows him to generate power from awkward angles.
Nakatani brings a southpaw stance, sharp jab, and exceptional ring IQ. His ability to control distance and land the right hook counter could be the key to an upset. At 27-0, he has never been truly tested at the top level, but his unbeaten record speaks to his consistency.
Prediction
Most analysts favor Inoue to retain via stoppage, but Nakatani's southpaw style and size advantage at super-bantamweight make this more competitive than Inoue's previous defenses. Expect a high-level technical battle in the early rounds before Inoue's power takes over.
Watch
The fight is available on DAZN and ESPN+ internationally, with Japanese broadcast on Lemino PPV. The main event is expected to start at approximately 3:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. BST on Saturday.
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