Naoya Inoue overcame a strong challenge from Junto Nakatani on May 2, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. Inoue secured a unanimous decision victory, retaining his undisputed super-bantamweight title.
The fight showcased both fighters’ skills, with Inoue controlling the early rounds. Nakatani applied significant pressure in the middle rounds, pushing Inoue to adapt. A clash of heads in Round 10 opened a cut over Nakatani’s left eye, complicating his performance.
Key statistics:
- Inoue won by scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 116-112.
- This victory improved Inoue’s record to 33-0.
- Nakatani’s record now stands at 32-1.
- The fight lasted all 12 rounds.
- A crowd of 55,000 attended the event.
- Inoue has recorded 27 KOs, while Nakatani has 24 KOs.
Nakatani’s strong performance in the middle rounds raised concerns for Inoue. Yet, he regained control in the final two rounds to secure his victory. “This victory is very valuable for me because Junto Nakatani is also a pound-for-pound top-ranking athlete,” Inoue stated after the match.
The fight was highly anticipated as both fighters entered with undefeated records. It marked a significant moment in boxing history at the iconic Tokyo Dome. Fans expect further developments as both fighters continue their careers.
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