Naoya Inoue has confirmed that he will face Junto Nakatani in what is set to become the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. The undisputed super-bantamweight champion revealed the bout will take place at the 57,000-capacity Tokyo Dome in May, following weeks of anticipation.
“[I will] be going head-to-head with Junto Nakatani at Tokyo Dome in May this year,” Inoue said, according to Kyodo News. An official announcement is expected soon, with Boxing News indicating the clash is targeted for Saturday, May 2.
Inoue, a four-division world champion and one of only three fighters in the four-belt era to become undisputed in multiple divisions, admitted the matchup has reignited his competitive fire. “I’m highly motivated for the first time in a while. I will train hard and I am looking forward to being in top shape for this fight,” he said, referencing a run of routine title defenses since claiming the undisputed super-bantamweight crown in December 2023.
Nakatani, unbeaten in 32 fights and a three-division world champion, acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead. “He is the best fighter in the world, so I need to be in top condition to fight him,” said the man nicknamed ‘Big Bang,’ who aims to dethrone Inoue as the face of Japanese boxing.
With two pound-for-pound stars colliding on home soil, May promises a historic night for Japanese boxing!
Image Credit: The Ring