Junto Nakatani (proper) knocks out Vincent Astrolabio with a physique shot within the first spherical of his July 20 WBC bantamweight title protection in Tokyo. Picture credit score: Naoki Fukuda
Junto Nakatani has benefitted from a years-long working relationship with High Rank.
The Las Vegas-based promotional powerhouse is now alongside for the trip in an official capability.
Teiken Promotions and M.T. Boxing Fitness center have entered a co-promotional settlement with High Rank, all events confirmed on Wednesday. The announcement got here simply 4 days after Nakatani (28-0, 21 knockouts) halted Vincent Astrolabio (19-6, 14 KOs) within the first spherical of their July 20 WBC bantamweight title battle in Tokyo.
“I need to thank Bob Arum and everybody at High Rank,” Nakatani mentioned of the transfer. “It is a important second in my profession, and I need to proceed giving boxing followers nice fights.”
High Rank has often showcased Nakatani’s profession on ESPN+, together with title fights spanning three weight divisions. The unbeaten 26-year-old from from Sagamihara, Japan is 7-0 in such bouts, with titles gained at 112, 115 and 118 kilos.
Saturday’s win over Astrolabio was the second of 2024 for Nakatani, No. 1 at 118 by The Ring. He’s at present No. 10 pound-for-pound however will advance to No. 9 within the subsequent scores replace within the coming days.
The assumption from all sides is that he’ll in the future reside on the very high of that checklist.
“Junto Nakatani is an distinctive, distinctive expertise,” mentioned High Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He’s a pressure of nature and one of many sport’s most vicious punchers.
“The Junto Nakatani Period is simply beginning. He would be the pound-for-pound king in the future, and I’m thrilled that he’s determined to affix the High Rank secure.”
Nakatani is the primary formally introduced High Rank signing this week. It comes on the heels of the breaking information that High Rank additionally signed Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) to a co-promotional deal. The Ring has discovered that Munguia’s announcement is predicted to come back later this week.
Each signings come on the heels of Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) transferring on to free company. The three-division titlist has fought below the High Rank banner since his 2017 professional debut. His departure from its roster has freed up the kind of sources that permit for signings corresponding to Nakatani and Munguia, with extra to come back.
Information of Nakatani’s subsequent battle is predicted to be revealed within the coming weeks.
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