Tenshin Nasukawa has climbed to the top of the WBO bantamweight rankings, though his stay won’t last long.
The Japanese star was elevated to the No. 1 spot in the organization’s September 25 update, which reflected results through September 15. The position became available after Christian Medina, formerly the WBO’s top contender, won the vacant bantamweight world title earlier this month by stopping Yoshiki Takei in four rounds.
Nasukawa, previously ranked No. 2, filled the vacancy. But his rise will be short-lived, as the 27-year-old has already agreed to face former champion Takuma Inoue on November 24 in Tokyo for the vacant WBC 118lbs belt. Sanctioning bodies typically remove fighters who hold or are competing for another organization’s title.
The former kickboxing sensation has transitioned quickly into boxing, compiling a 7-0 (2 KOs) record since his 2023 debut. This year alone, Nasukawa scored decision wins over former titleholder Jason Moloney in February and the 14-1 Victor Santillan in June.
Behind Nasukawa in the WBO rankings are Juan Francisco Estrada at No. 2, followed by Landi Ngxeke, Yoshiki Takei, Andrew Cain, Riku Masuda, Carlos Cuadras, Charlie Edwards, Vincent Astrolabio, Adrien Curiel, Reymart Gaballo, Michael Angeletti, Juan Zayas, Tomoya Tsuboi and Theophilous Kpakpo Allotey.
Read more about Nasukawa vs. Inoue bout.
Image Credit: DAZN