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In his first title defense, Takuma Inoue, the reigning WBA bantamweight champion, showcased his dominance with a remarkable ninth-round knockout victory via a body shot against former titleholder Jerwin Ancajas. Meanwhile, on the same card, Junto Nakatani made waves by claiming the WBC bantamweight title with a sixth-round stoppage of Alexandro Santiago, thereby becoming a three-weight world champion.
Despite being relatively new to the bantamweight division, Nakatani’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, elevating him to the top spot in the rankings. The question now arises: will the Japanese sensation be able to lure his fellow champions into unification bouts, or will he opt to climb up in weight once again?
The bantamweight division is teeming with talent, and Nakatani’s meteoric rise has undoubtedly added an intriguing dynamic. With an undefeated record of 27-0, including 20 knockouts, Nakatani’s prowess in the ring is unquestionable. His recent victory over Santiago further solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
Nakatani’s attributes are strikingly impressive – he possesses exceptional speed, formidable power, and an astute ring intelligence. His ability to gauge distance effectively not only makes him a potent offensive threat but also renders him elusive and difficult to hit. With just one bout at bantamweight under his belt, Nakatani has already demonstrated a level of superiority that sets him apart from his competitors at 118 pounds.
Reflecting on Nakatani’s career, it’s evident that his trajectory is one of continuous improvement and success. His notable victories over esteemed opponents such as Milan Melindo, Francisco Rodriguez Jr., Andrew Moloney, and Argi Cortes underscore his caliber as a top-tier boxer.
As Nakatani’s star continues to rise, the boxing world eagerly awaits to see if he can maintain his dominance and solidify his status as one of the pound-for-pound greats.