When Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani step into the ring on May 2, explosiveness meets technique. BOXSPORT analyzes the mega duel between the two unbeaten Japanese in the Superbantam and tells you who has the better cards.
An undisputed fight that will electrify the boxing world will take place in Japan on May 2: Naoya Inoue meets Junto Nakatani in the Tokyo Dome, with Inoue’s IBF, WBO, WBC and WBA (Super) super bantam belts at stake. Two undefeated world-class boxers, two different approaches – and the rare constellation of national superstars facing each other at the absolute top level. It is a duel that combines style, precision and tactics at the highest level and keeps fans all over the world on the edge of their seats.
Experience
Naoya Inoue has established himself as a multi-talented world champion in four weight classes: Semi-flyweight, super-flyweight, bantamweight and super-bantamweight. The biggest successes of the boxing giant known as “Monster” include victories against Nonito Donaire (twice), Stephen Fulton, Paul Butler, Jason Moloney, TJ Doheny and Luis Nery. These fights show his versatility, punching power and ability to compete at the highest level. He knows pressure situations inside out, twelve hard rounds as well – and especially on the big stages he keeps calm, self-confidence and control of the fight.
Junto Nakatani is also unbeaten and has secured the world title in three weight classes: Flyweight, Super Flyweight and Bantamweight. He has notched up significant victories against opponents such as Alexandro Santiago, Ryosuke Nishida, Angel Acosta, Francisco Rodríguez Jr. and Seigo Yuri Akui. The crowd favorite with the fight name “Big Bang” has shown that he remains stable under pressure, but compared to Inoue he still has to defeat the really big names in the ring to prove himself at the same level.
Fighting style
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this duel. Inoue is an aggressive precision hitter who acts with enormous explosiveness. His combinations are fast, hard and often surprising. He is not a pure breaker, but an efficient finisher with excellent timing. He is particularly strong at half-distance, hits at lightning speed and can decide rounds without taking unnecessary risks.
Nakatani, on the other hand, is the structured technician. Taller, longer and equipped with a strong jab. He controls distances, varies skillfully and forces opponents to make mistakes. His calmness in the ring is striking – as is his ability to read fights and neutralize opponents over several rounds. His agility and defensive intelligence could pose problems for Inoue if he manages to keep the pressure in check.
Endurance
Both boxers have proven their class over longer distances. Inoue also appears stable in the later rounds, losing neither precision nor impact. His high knockout rate belies the fact that he is absolutely solid in terms of fitness and can hold his line even under physical pressure. Nakatani scores with his economical way of boxing. He doses his actions, uses the distance cleverly and avoids unnecessary exchanges. This saves energy and ensures that he remains structured and attentive even in the final rounds of a tough fight.
Tactics
This is where the fight is decided. Inoue will shift into forward gear, build up pressure and try to break the distance. If he gets into half-distance, his danger increases exponentially. If he manages to shrink the ring and put Nakatani under pressure, he could clearly dominate the fight in individual rounds. Nakatani must prevent exactly that. His key lies in the jab, footwork and timing. He must not allow himself to be put down, but must “reset” Inoue again and again. If he succeeds in this, he can collect rounds, score points and dictate the rhythm of the fight over the full distance.
Conclusion
A close, high-class comparison between two elite boxers. Inoue brings experience, punching power and the ability to turn fights around in seconds. Nakatani has the physicality, technique and style to prevent exactly that. The crucial question: will Inoue consistently get within striking distance? Or will Nakatani manage to keep the fight on his line? The longer the duel lasts, the more interesting it becomes for the challenger. But Inoue often only needs a moment to turn the tide. Hence the prediction: Inoue will prevail in a tactical fight – late decision, either prematurely or narrowly on points.
Text by Joachim Schultes