Nakatani: “I Have to Make Sure Inoue Doesn’t Get Back Up”

WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani (30-0, 23 KOs) has opened up about a potential showdown with Naoya Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs), the reigning undisputed super bantamweight world champion.

Speaking with The Ring, Nakatani praised Inoue’s resilience — particularly his ability to recover from knockdowns, referencing the fights against Luis Nery and Ramon Cardenas.

“I was a little worried when Inoue went down against Ramon Cardenas,” Nakatani admitted. “But after the fight with Luis Nery, I already knew — he’d get up. He’s not someone who gives in that easily.

He’s experienced in going down, getting up, and coming back to win. That’s his strength.

So if I knock him down… I have to make sure he stays down.”

Inoue and Nakatani have reportedly agreed to fight at Tokyo Dome in 2026, in what promises to be a massive all-Japanese showdown on the biggest stage.