While Junto Nakatani is a three-weight world champion, a pound-for-pound entrant, and the reigning WBC bantamweight titleholder, three of his compatriots are making up solid ground behind him as champions in the same division.
If you weigh 118 pounds and want to win a world title, then you must go through Japan to do it. Why? Because every recognizable bantamweight title belt is currently held by a Japanese national.
Nakatani, who fights Filipino star Vincent Astrolabio in Tokyo on July 20, has established himself as one of the most exciting fighters at the elite level. While his southpaw skills and hand speed are obvious, it’s his thunderous hitting power that’s causing a stir.
WATCH: Junto Nakatani vs. Vincent Astrolabio, exclusively on ESPN+
At just 26 years old, Nakatani has captured titles at flyweight, super flyweight and bantamweight. In his February debut at 118 pounds, he stopped Alexandro Santiago for the title he currently holds, and unifying the division is now a priority.
The Sporting News looks at the three fights Nakatani would have to win to secure bantamweight supremacy.
Can Junto Nakatani beat Ryosuke Nishida?
- Nishida Record: 9-0 (1 KO)
- Title held: IBF
Nishida is just nine fights into his professional career and he’s already a world champion. In May, the 27-year-old lefty scored a 12-round unanimous decision over two-time world titleholder Emmanuel Rodriguez to win the IBF crown and kicked open the door to the big time.
However, the problem Nishida would have against Nakatani is a lack of hitting power. While the Japanese star managed to knock Rodriguez off his feet in the fourth round of that fight, he only has one knockout on his resume.
Bottom line: If Nakatani doesn’t fear what’s coming back, then he becomes an even bigger problem.
Prediction: Nakatani by KO
More: How good is Junto Nakatani? Boxing's top five pound-for-pound fighters from Japan
Can Junto Nakatani beat Takuma Inoue?
- Inoue Record: 20-1 (5 KOs)
- Title held: WBA
Without hyperbole, Takuma, the younger brother of pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue, is one of the most improved fighters in world boxing.
In 2019, Takuma dropped a decision against then-WBC champ Nordine Oubaali and looked a long way from being world-level. However, since then, he's won seven fights in a row, three of them world title fights, and he’s in the form of his life.
One just feels that Nakatani is too big a reach for the WBA champion at this point. Takuma may have the class and ring smarts to see the final bell, but a victory over Nakatani seems far-fetched right now.
Prediction: Nakatani UD 12
MORE: SN's Top-12 best pound-for-pound boxers
Can Junto Nakatani beat Yoshiki Takei?
- Takei Record: 9-0 (8 KOs)
- Title held: WBO
A matchup between Nakatani and WBO boss Yoshiki Takei may be the most exciting fight out of the three and also the shortest.
Takei, another southpaw, is a former kickboxer and a powerful offensive force. In May, he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jason Moloney to win the WBO title, surviving a late rally from the amiable Australian to become champion against the odds.
Nakatani is on another level. While Takei has knocked out eight of nine opponents as a professional, he doesn’t have his countryman’s skill, speed, or experience. By comparison, Takei is crude and it’s a dangerous fight for him right now.
Prediction: Nakatani by KO
In summary, Nakatani could become the undisputed bantamweight champion within 12 months if the fights are made. There’s simply no one to stop him!