Junto Nakatani
Division: bantamweight
Nationality: Japan
Hometown: Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
Birth Date: 1998-01-02
Height: 5.7 cm
Reach: 67 cm
Stance: southpaw
Professional Record
31
Wins
(24 by KO)0
Losses
(0 by KO)0
Draws
31
Total Fights
Biography
Junto Nakatani, born on 2 January 1998 in Inabe, Mie Prefecture, Japan, is a distinguished Japanese professional boxer. Throughout his career, he has claimed world championships in two weight classes, holding the WBO flyweight title from 2020 to 2022 and securing the WBO junior-bantamweight title in 2023. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches with a southpaw stance, Nakatani’s prowess was evident in a significant match on 20 May 2023, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The reigning WBO super flyweight champion, Kazuto Ioka, had been ordered to defend his title against Nakatani. However, Ioka vacated the title on 14 February to pursue a rematch with Joshua Franco. Consequently, Nakatani faced Andrew Moloney for the vacant championship. In a remarkable display, Nakatani dropped Moloney in the second round with a series of uppercuts. The bout continued with Nakatani securing another knockdown in the eleventh round and ultimately delivering a one-punch knockout in the twelfth round, claiming the vacant WBO title impressively.
Technical Overview
Dissecting Nakatani’s fighting style, mirrors legends like No Hajime Ippo, Richard Martinez, and the iconic Ippo, drawing inspiration from the legendary Marvelous Hagler and Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. Nakatani’s adaptation of the Gazelle Jab showcases its versatility as a tool not only for engaging in exchanges but also for trapping opponents against the ropes, reminiscent of Hagler’s strategic brilliance.
Executing a Hagler-esque shift from orthodox, Nakatani employs a similar tactic to create room for powerful crosses, utilizing linear shifts to force opponents to change stances. This calculated move leaves adversaries stunned and in unfamiliar positions, setting the stage for Nakatani’s devastating combinations. Nakatani’s adoption of this style pays homage to the legacy of Marvelous Hagler, who inspired a generation of Japanese boxers and left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Much like Hagler’s impact on the boxing world, Nakatani’s emulation of his style reflects a broader influence on Japanese fighters, showcasing the genius and tactical brilliance that transcends borders. In the spirit of Hagler, Nakatani sets an example for aspiring fighters, demonstrating the lasting impact of a fighter who not only delivers exceptional performances but also inspires a cultural shift in the world of boxing.
Fight History
06/08/25 vs. Ryosuke Nishida, W-RTD, 6/12
02/24/25 vs. David Cuellar Contreras, W-KO, 3/12
10/14/24 vs. Tasana Salapat, W-TKO, 6/12
07/20/24 vs. Vincent Astrolabio, W-KO, 1/12
02/24/24 vs. Alexandro Santiago, W-TKO, 6/12
09/18/23 vs. Argi Cortes, W-UD, 12/12
05/20/23 vs. Andrew Moloney, W-KO, 12/12
11/01/22 vs. Francisco Rodriguez Jr, W-UD, 10/10
04/09/22 vs. Ryota Yamauchi, W-TKO, 8/12
09/10/21 vs. Angel Acosta, W-TKO, 4/12
11/06/20 vs. Giemel Magramo, W-KO, 8/12
10/05/19 vs. Milan Melindo, W-TKO, 6/10
06/01/19 vs. Philip Luis Cuerdo, W-KO, 1/10
02/02/19 vs. Naoki Mochizuki, W-TKO, 9/10
10/06/18 vs. Shun Kosaka, W-UD, 8/8
07/07/18 vs. Dexter Alimento, W-KO, 3/10
04/15/18 vs. Mario Andrade, W-TD-U, 8/10
01/20/18 vs. Jeronil Borres, W-KO, 1/8
08/23/17 vs. Seigo Yuri Akui, W-TKO, 6/8
05/16/17 vs. Yuma Kudo, W-MD, 6/6
04/16/17 vs. Joel Taduran, W-TKO, 4/6
02/19/17 vs. Atiwit Munyapho, W-TKO, 2/6
12/23/16 vs. Masamichi Yabuki, W-UD, 4/4
11/13/16 vs. Daisuke Yamada, W-TKO, 1/5
10/04/16 vs. Satoshi Tanaka, W-RTD, 2/4
07/27/16 vs. Shu Muramatsu, W-TKO, 2/4
04/28/16 vs. Anirut Chomyong, W-TKO, 1/4
01/28/16 vs. Tetsuya Tomioka, W-TKO, 3/4
11/22/15 vs. Magnum Nishida, W-UD, 4/4
07/17/15 vs. Akira Kokubo, W-TKO, 4/4
04/26/15 vs. Junichi Itoga, W-TKO, 1/4
