Top Rank announces co-promotional deal with Junto Nakatani

Undefeated WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani has signed a co-promotional deal with Top Rank, in collaboration with Teiken Promotions and M.T Boxing Gym. This partnership aims to elevate the career of the three-division Japanese star, enhancing his presence on the global boxing stage.

Nakatani, 26, from Sagamihara, Japan, is slated to return to the ring before the end of the year as he recently defended his title with a first-round stoppage over Vincent Astrolabio, marking his seventh consecutive win in world title fights. The hard-hitting southpaw, who trains in Los Angeles with Rudy Hernandez, is ranked No. 10 on the Ring Magazine pound-for-pound list.

Watch Nakatani vs. Astrolabio highlights: Watch

“Junto Nakatani is an exceptional, unique talent," said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. "He is a force of nature and one of the sport’s most vicious punchers. The Junto Nakatani era is just starting. He will be the pound-for-pound king one day, and I am thrilled that he’s decided to join the Top Rank stable."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Nakatani stated, "Thank you to Bob Arum and everyone at Top Rank. This is a significant moment in my career, and I want to continue giving boxing fans great fights." His recent performances and explosive style have garnered him a growing fanbase, and this new deal is expected to further his reach and impact in the boxing world.

Adding to the excitement, Nakatani has recently called out fellow Japanese fighter and undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya "The Monster" Inoue, who is set to defend his titles against former IBF bantamweight champion TJ Doheny. This potential matchup between Nakatani and Inoue could set the stage for one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory.