Biggest fight in Japanese boxing history: ‘Monster’ Inoue has plan for Nakatani
Two of world’s best pound-for pound boxers must first clear Mexican opposition before Nakatani can have shot at Inoue’s title
The Floyd Mayweather Jnr v Manny Pacquiao bout happened probably five years too late. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua still have not fought. But Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani are ready to square off soon in what would be the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history.
No posturing, but just two top pound-for-pound boxers in their prime seemingly willing to give fans what they want.
Here is the catch: they each have one more fight and need to avoid a surprise before their expected showdown.
Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) is the undisputed super bantamweight (55kg, or 122lbs) champion and the headliner on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. He faces Mexico’s Alan David Picasso.
Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs), moving up in weight to make his debut in the division, will face Sebastian Hernandez Reyes – also Mexican – on the same card, a showcase of Japanese fighters.
“This is very important for Japanese boxing,” Inoue said through a translator.