Naoya Inoue to face Junto Nakatani in historic Tokyo Dome megafight

"May 2 will be a historic day for boxing, said Inoue, who will be making the seventh defense of his undisputed crown. But in terms of my boxing career, I have to think of it as just a point on the way, added the 32-year-old, whose record stands at 32-0 with 27 knockouts. I will prepare for the fight with that mindset."

"The unbeaten Japanese star known as the Monster was dropped by a heavy left hook late in the opening round the first knockdown of his 12-year professional career before rallying to floor Nery twice and finish the fight with a devastating sixth-round stoppage. The victory reinforced Inoue's standing among the sport's elite and added another chapter to a career that has seen him capture world titles across four weight divisions."

"Nakatani, 28, enters the fight with the same 32-0 record, including 24 knockouts, and the chance to join an exclusive group of Japanese fighters who have claimed championships in four divisions. A former champion at flyweight and junior bantamweight, Nakatani moves up in weight in pursuit of a fourth divisional title."

Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani, both unbeaten Japanese fighters with identical 32-0 records, will clash on May 2 at Tokyo Dome. Inoue will defend his undisputed super bantamweight world championship in his seventh title defense, while Nakatani moves up in weight pursuing a fourth divisional title. The 32-year-old Inoue, known as the Monster, previously defeated Luis Nery at the same venue in May 2024, recovering from his first career knockdown to secure a sixth-round knockout. Inoue has captured world titles across four weight divisions and unified all major belts at bantamweight and junior featherweight. Nakatani, 28, seeks to join an exclusive group of Japanese fighters with championships in four divisions. The bout is expected to generate significant interest in Japan and internationally.

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