A spectacular showcase of boxing talent is set to take place at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on October 13-14, as seven title fights unfold over two action-packed days. This event, promoted by Japan’s Teiken Promotions and streamed live in the U.S. by ESPN+, will feature some of the nation’s top fighters, including unbeaten WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani, WBA bantamweight titlist Takuma Inoue, and WBO junior bantamweight champion Kosei Tanaka.
The event kicks off on October 13 with Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5 KOs) headlining the night. Inoue, the younger brother of the legendary Naoya Inoue, will face third-ranked Seiya Tsutsumi (11-0-2, 8 KOs) in a bout that promises to deliver fireworks. Takuma, eager to step out of his brother’s shadow, will look to defend his WBA bantamweight title against a hungry and undefeated Tsutsumi.
Also featured on the October 13 card are several other high-stakes bouts. Kenshiro Teraji (23-1, 14 KOs) will battle Christopher Rosales (37-6, 22 KOs) for the vacant WBC flyweight title, while WBA flyweight champion Seigo Yuri Akui (20-2-1, 11 KOs) defends his belt against Thailand’s Thananchai Charunphak (25-1, 15 KOs). Additionally, Tokyo’s own Shokichi Iwata (13-1, 10 KOs) will take on Spain’s undefeated Jairo Noriega (14-0, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBO junior flyweight title.
The excitement continues on October 14, with Junto Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs) headlining the second day of the event. Nakatani, who has his sights set on a potential 2025 showdown with Naoya Inoue, will defend his WBC bantamweight title against Thailand’s Petch Sor Chitpattana (76-1, 53 KOs), a seasoned veteran with an impressive record. This fight could be a significant stepping stone for Nakatani as he aims to solidify his status as one of Japan’s premier fighters.
Kosei Tanaka (20-1, 11 KOs) will also be in action on October 14, defending his WBO junior bantamweight title against the undefeated Phumelele Cafu (10-0-3, 8 KOs). Tanaka, who is eyeing a unification bout with WBC champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in 2025, will need to get past the tough and talented Cafu to keep his dreams alive.
Rounding out the card is a non-title bantamweight clash featuring former kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa (4-0, 2 KOs) against the undefeated Gerwin Asilo (9-0, 4 KOs). Nasukawa, who gained fame for his exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2019, will look to continue his transition into boxing with a statement win. Additionally, Los Angeles’ WBO flyweight champion Anthony Olascuaga (7-1, 5 KOs) will open the October 14 action by defending his title against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Gonzalez (28-3-1, 14 KOs).
Read more about Takuma Inoue's career here.
Image Credit: Naoki Fukuda