Fight results

Explosive — that’s the word that best describes this matchup. Two come-forward fighters with drastically different physiques and contrasting styles, but both equally exciting to watch.

Eduardo Nunez is a physically imposing puncher, shorter than his opponent, who primarily relies on power in the ring. His jab is more of a rangefinder than a weapon of setup — once the opponent steps into mid-to-close range, they’re met with thunderous combinations.

Masanori Rikiishi, standing 11 centimeters taller, is a pressure fighter in his own right, but one who knows how to use his physical advantages. He comes forward behind a busy offense, drawing counters from his opponent and responding with sharp multi-punch combinations.

The Mexican is 27, the Japanese fighter 30 — both are in their physical prime.

In his last fight, Nunez stopped Miguel Marriaga. While Marriaga is no longer at his peak, it’s still the first notable name on Eduardo’s resume. Rikiishi, meanwhile, has been on a winning streak since 2018. He hasn’t fought marquee names, but has consistently faced solid, competitive opposition.

Both fighters throw a lot of punches, but neither boasts elite accuracy. In the first round against Marriaga, Nunez landed just 2 of 27 punches. In round seven of his bout with Magnesi, Rikiishi threw 60 punches and landed only 7.

Still, it’s a given that both will work at a relentless pace in this fight. The deciding factor will be efficiency — can Nunez land despite the size disadvantage? Can Rikiishi keep the Mexican at range, denying him the space to unleash his power shots?

Rikiishi has fought twice in 2024, knocking out both opponents. Nunez has fought once, stopping Marriaga — his first professional bout outside of Mexico.

Those victories — along with their recent momentum — were enough to earn both men a spot in this fight for the vacant IBF title, previously held by Anthony Cacace.

Here’s where this fight truly shines. Styles are fun — but raw power makes it thrilling.

Nunez has knocked out every opponent he’s beaten. Rikiishi carries a KO rate of over 60%.

Both men punch with bad intentions, and while it may sometimes lack finesse, the danger is real — a knockout can happen at any moment in either direction.

Nunez last tasted defeat in 2018 — a decision loss. Rikiishi also lost in 2018, but via second-round TKO to the heavy-hitting Kosuke Saka.

Since then, neither man has shown significant vulnerability, but this fight could be their toughest test yet in terms of absorbing punishment.

This will be Nunez’s second fight outside Mexico. His first was a success — but this opponent is a different level.

Rikiishi lives in Yokohama, but surprisingly, has never fought there before. This will be his home debut.

Fans wouldn’t have complained if either man had ended up facing Cacace — or even both, considering how exciting Anthony’s fights usually are. But Cacace chose a different path, chasing bigger names and paydays.

Now, the winner here enters the elite mix of a loaded division. O’Shaquie Foster, Lamont Roach, Emanuel Navarrete — three current champions. It’s easy to imagine someone like Navarrete eyeing a unification bout with the winner of this clash.

So this is more than just a title fight. It's a gateway to bigger paydays, higher-profile showdowns, and a stake in one of boxing’s most competitive weight classes.