Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani

For me, this is the fight of the year so far. One that is hard to pick, and between two greats of modern Japanese boxing.

Nakatani is unbeaten, tall for the weight, southpaw, clever, and dangerous enough that Inoue cannot just walk through the front door. He brings a 32-0 record, real punching power, and the sort of long-limbed southpaw rhythm that can make even elite orthodox fighters hesitate. 

The early rounds are where Nakatani has his chance. He has the height, the southpaw jab, and the reach to make Inoue reset. If he can keep that right foot outside, touch Inoue with the jab, and not fall in after throwing the backhand, he can bank rounds and make this awkward. Malik Scott has even picked Nakatani on points, pointing to his unusual southpaw movement and how he can draw the right hand and punish it.

My pick is Inoue. The difference is not just power; it is how quickly he processes information. Inoue does not need many clean looks before he starts taking away your exits. He will probe the body, shorten the distance, and start timing Nakatani as he pulls out. Nakatani is good enough to give him trouble, but at super-bantamweight, this is only his second fight, and reports noted his points win over Sebastian Hernandez was not entirely convincing.

I expect Nakatani to look sharp early, maybe even nick two or three of the first five rounds, but once Inoue begins landing to the ribs and chest, the legs will slow, and the exchanges will become more dangerous. Nakatani will not fold easily, but Inoue’s accuracy, body attack, and finishing instinct should tell.