Nakatani’s Trainer Sets Condition for Inoue Fight

Rudy Hernandez, trainer of former WBC and IBF Bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani, spoke about a potential clash between his fighter and the undisputed Super Bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue.

Both Japanese stars will appear on the same card on December 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nakatani will face Sebastian Reyes, while Inoue takes on David Picasso.

“The fact that they’re on the same card only adds intrigue to a possible fight between them. I like that they will be boxing on the same night: it will ignite interest because fans will see both fighters. I believe it will attract even more viewers, as they’ll showcase their skills and bring new fans into the sport.

They both have very tough fights. I think it’s great, and I’ll be rooting for Inoue to beat Picasso. In this game, there are levels, and these two fighters, Inoue and Nakatani, have proven their mastery again and again. Even if you fall — the key is to get up and answer.

If both win in December, then I think we can all look forward to their fight in May at the Tokyo Dome. This would be one of the most exciting fights for everyone who follows boxing.

The most important fight in the history of Japanese boxing. For the first time, two Japanese boxers from the Top 10 pound-for-pound will face each other. If they step into the ring, all of Japan will be watching,” said Hernandez.

In June, Junto Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs) stopped Ryosuke Nishida in a WBC/IBF Bantamweight unification, after Nishida’s corner pulled him out following the sixth round.

On September 14, Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) defeated Murodjon Akhmadaliev by unanimous decision.

Photo: Sports Illustrated