Junto Nakatani Tightens Grip on Bantamweight Division

Junto Nakatani continued his dominance in the bantamweight division with a commanding performance against Ryosuke Nishida, forcing his opponent to retire before the start of the seventh round due to an eye injury. The fight, held at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, Japan, was a world title unification bout that saw Nakatani add Nishida's IBF title to his WBC belt.

The Fight Breakdown

Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs) showcased his precision and power, particularly in the fifth and sixth rounds, where his relentless attack on Nishida's right eye caused significant swelling. By the end of the sixth round, Nishida's eye was completely shut, prompting the ringside doctor to advise stopping the fight. Nakatani's ability to target Nishida's injury with stinging left hands was a key factor in his victory.

Nishida's Brave Effort

Despite the loss, Ryosuke Nishida (10-1, 2 KOs) put up a valiant effort, especially in the third and fourth rounds, where he targeted Nakatani's body. However, the swelling in his right eye became a major disadvantage, and by the sixth round, it was clear that Nishida could no longer continue.

Future Prospects for Nakatani

With this win, Nakatani solidifies his position as the No. 1 bantamweight contender. The 27-year-old from Kanagawa, Japan, now faces the decision of whether to step up to junior featherweight or pursue another bantamweight title unification fight. A potential megafight against Naoya Inoue, who was ringside for the bout, is already being discussed for next year.

Other Highlights from the Event

In another exciting match on the same card, Japanese bantamweight Riku Masuda (8-1, 8 KOs) delivered a stunning one-two combination that knocked out Michell Banquez of Venezuela in the first round.

Conclusion

Junto Nakatani's victory over Ryosuke Nishida not only unifies the bantamweight titles but also sets the stage for future blockbuster fights in the division. His performance cements his status as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.