THE BANTAMWEIGHT division may soon lose its number one fighter, Junto Nakatani.
The Japanese star was recently ringside at the Yokohama Buntai last Wednesday, where WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas retained his title via a draw against Daigo Higa.
Vargas and WBO titleholder Yoshiki Takei are widely considered to be competing for second place at 118lbs, where Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs) currently reigns as the unified IBF and WBC champion. The 27-year-old southpaw, who has previously won world titles at flyweight and super-flyweight, now has his sights set on an all-Japanese super-fight against undisputed super-bantamweight king Naoya Inoue.
Today, Yahoo Japan reported a significant update following Nakatani’s visit to the WOWOW Headquarters in Tokyo. Appearing as a special guest, Nakatani reflected on his June unification victory over Ryosuke Nishida – a recording that will air on WOWOW Live on August 11.
During the interview, Nakatani revealed his intentions regarding the bantamweight division.
“We are currently adjusting to move up to the super bantamweight division for the next match. I think I will relinquish the bantamweight title soon,” he said.
Reflecting on his performance against Nishida, he added:
“I can only see the areas where I need to improve.”
Back in June, Nakatani expressed his desire to face Inoue within the next 12 months. Their shared ambition became public when both men shook hands at a Japanese Boxing Commission awards ceremony earlier this year. Inoue publicly called on Nakatani to face him at the Tokyo Dome in 2026, to which Nakatani responded, “Let’s do it.”
A move to 122lbs will only intensify speculation that the blockbuster showdown could become a reality.
Inoue, who attended Nakatani’s win over Nishida, is set to return on September 14 at the IG Arena in Nagoya against WBA Interim titleholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Yoshiki Takei, the WBO bantamweight champion, is also slated to feature on the card in a defence against number one contender Christian Jimenez.
Inoue could make a second appearance before the year is out, with Alan Picasso tipped as a possible opponent for a December bout.
