In his most up-to-date combat, Junto Nakatani (proper) outpointed the robust Argi Cortes, who suffered three knockdowns however lasted the 12 spherical distance. (Photograph by Naoki Fukuda)
Successful and efficiently defending a world title belt is a powerful accomplishment.
Successful a world title belt in three completely different weight lessons inside a four-year interval is extraordinary.
Nakatani will try and win one other world title belt, this time at 118 kilos, as he challenges WBC bantamweight titleholder Alejandro Santiago on Saturday night time on the Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan. The 12-round bout will headline a three-bout card, promoted by Akihiko Honda, that may stream dwell on ESPN+ (4 a.m. ET/ 1 a.m. PT).
At Friday’s weigh-in, Nakatani weighed in at 117.5 kilos. Santiago got here in at 117.75 kilos.
The 26-year-old Nakatani (26-0, 19 knockouts), who resides in Sagamihara, Japan, received the vacant WBO junior bantamweight title on Could 20, dropping Jason Moloney thrice en path to a sensational knockout win in spherical 12. The knockout of Moloney was voted ‘Knockout of the 12 months (2023) by The Ring.
In his final bout on September 18, Nakatani made a profitable protection of the title, defeating Mexico’s Argi Cortes by resolution over 12 one-sided rounds.
Early final 12 months, the WBO mandated Kazuto Ioka, then the sanctioning physique’s junior bantamweight titleholder, to enter into negotiations with Nakatani for a world title protection. The WBO would later strip Ioka of the belt after Ioka determined to observe by on a rematch in opposition to then-WBA titleholder Joshua Franco.
An all-Japan combat between Ioka and Nakatani would have generated buzz out and in of Japan. Nakatani was dissatisfied {that a} combat in opposition to Ioka couldn’t be made.
“That’s destiny,” Nakatani instructed The Ring by a translator on a latest go to to a health club in South Gate, California. Nakatani arrange a coaching camp there for the Santiago combat.
“I wished to make the combat occur, however he (Ioka) made the choice to not combat me for varied causes. I can not reply for him.”
Junto Nakatani acquired the KO of the 12 months award from The Ring in 2023 -Photograph by Yuriko Miyata
Nakatani will face Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs), who resides in Tijuana, Mexico. The 28-year-old Santiago received the WBC title from Nonito Donaire by unanimous resolution in his final bout on July 29.
Santiago has received his final 4 fights since shedding by majority resolution to Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani is making an allowance for Santiago’s win over Donaire and his skill-set.
“Santiago is a really cell fighter,” stated Nakatani, who stands over 5’7” tall. “I believe it will likely be a centered battle on my half. All through the coaching camp, I’ve felt snug adjusting to the brand new weight. I simply need to do my greatest the place I can provide the perfect efficiency (in opposition to Santiago).”
Nakatani is skilled by Rudy Hernandez, who relies in Southern California and has a popularity of being an old-school coach. He’s the brother of the late Genaro Hernandez, the two-time world junior light-weight titleholder.
Hernandez has applied a rigorous coaching program, the place Nakatani improved notoriously his punching fee. It has proven in latest fights as Nakatani has stopped seven of his final 9 opponents, together with a number of knockdowns of Cortes in his final bout.
Nakatani credit Hernandez for sitting down on his punches, though it was exhausting adjusting at the start.
“There are coaching classes the place we work on simply throwing uppercuts, particularly in shut proximity. Or there are occasions when it’s simply throwing hooks and crosses on the heavy bag. It’s very exhausting work, nevertheless it has paid off. I now really feel snug throwing punches from distance or from up shut, as if I used to be within the pocket.
“I’ve a whole lot of respect for Rudy Hernandez. He’s an excellent coach. It has been nice working with somebody like him.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He might be reached at [email protected]
Comply with @FSalazarBoxing
