Inoue challenges Nakatani at JBC gala; handshake deal forged
Naoya Inoue challenges Junto Nakatani at a Japanese boxing awards show before the two forged a handshake deal for a 2026 mega-fight.
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INOUE CHALLENGES NAKATANI TO 2026 MEGA-FIGHT AT JAPANESE BOXING GALA
Inoue challenges Nakatani to a 2026 mega-fight as they attended a recent Japanese boxing gala.
Furthermore, Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) was handed the best Japanese boxer of the year for the seventh-straight year, as he remains a four-division undisputed champion.
Moreover, Nakatani (30-0, 23 KOs) was honored for Best Technique and Best Knockout of the Year at the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) gala.
It was at a “thank you speech” when Inoue made the challenge to Nakatani.
“Let’s explode Japanese boxin at the Tokyo Dome next year,” the 31-year-old fighter also known as “Monster” said.
NAKATANI’S SHORT RESPONSE ENOUGH TO EXCITE JAPANESE, FIGHT FANS OF 2026 BOUT
Nakatani’s short response to Inoue’s respose was enough to excite Japanese and boxing fans in general regarding what to expect next year.
Moreover, the 27-year-old World Boxing Council bantamweight champion responded “let’s do it,” and the crowd went wild.
Furthermore, the two fighters have to hurdle their prior commitments.
They have upcoming fights that they need to win before clearing the way for their mega-fight in Japan.
Nakatani wants to unify the bantamweight division this year before bracing for the Inoue fight.
He has not fought since he knocked out David Cuellar Contreras.
This happened in the third round at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo o February 24 this year.
INOUE HAS BUSY PLATE, TO FIGHT CARDENAS IN US BEFORE RETURN TO JAPAN
Inoue has a busy plate, wherein he is scheduled to face Ramon Cardenas in his return bout to the United States next month.
Furthermore, “Monster” was supposed to take on Allan Picasso for his “Cinco de Mayo” bout before the Mexican withdrew.
Moreover, Inoue is also lined up against World Boxing Association (WBA) mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliuev later this year.
Should he take care of his two next opponents, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and Inoue’s team will begin preparations for the mega-fight.
An Inoue-Nakatani showdown, should it deliver as advertised, could line up as “Fight of the Century.”
Ths could massive produce box-office results among 2025 fights.
