Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani live results, round-by-round updates, ring walks, start time for Japan superfight
Inoue, a four-division champion and Uncrowned’s No. 2 pound-for-pound boxer, faces perhaps his toughest test yet against countryman Nakatani, who has held world titles in three weight classes as well as occupying the No. 6 spot on Uncrowned’s pound-for-pound list.
Inoue, 33, is thought to be exiting his prime years, while Nakatani, 28, might be arriving at this matchup at exactly the perfect time. Inoue has taken part in a stunning 27 world title camps and fights, while Nakatani has had just 10.
In recent fights, vulnerabilities have begun to appear in Inoue’s game, notably through knockdowns suffered against Luis Nery and Ramon Cardenas. Thus, he has started to use a more cautious approach in recent fights than what we became accustomed to seeing from the knockout artist. Inoue’s past two bouts, against Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Alan Picasso, both saw Inoue go the 12-round distance. It was only the fourth and fifth times, respectively, that Inoue heard the final bell in 32 pro fights and the first time in almost six years.
Instead of searching for a finish, Inoue utilized the skill and ring IQ that fight fans knew he possessed but often took a back seat to his dynamic, high-octane style. Against a heavy-handed, tall southpaw like Nakatani, a more cautious approach may bode well for Inoue. It is, however, also vital for Inoue, as the shorter fighter, to be able to close the gap on Nakatani with regularity, and therefore, intelligent pressure may be the way forward in this matchup — something Inoue should be successful with due to his excellent foot speed.
While Inoue has captured all of the belts at super bantamweight and been in the division for eight fights, Nakatani has fought just once at 122 pounds — a 12-round brawl with Sebastian Hernandez in December.
Against Hernandez, Nakatani controlled the first five rounds. But in the later stages of the bout, Nakatani struggled to move as much. The contest began to be fought at close range, where it was clear the pressure and volume punching by the Mexican were proving troublesome for Nakatani. Two judges scored the fight 115-113, seven rounds to five for Nakatani, which was an accurate reflection of the fight.
Inoue’s sublime jab and body shots are two central parts of his arsenal. With Nakatani having a long torso and fatiguing in the second half against Hernandez, body shots could be vital for Inoue on Saturday. It is, however, difficult to have much success with the jab to the head against a tall southpaw because of the difference in reach and the fact that a southpaw’s lead hand can often negate an orthodox fighter’s lead left. Inoue’s jab is no ordinary jab, though. It is a power shot, and if it can land with speed and accuracy, it can prove effective. Additionally, Inoue’s body jab is a weapon in itself and could be crucial to slow down Nakatani, but it may also present Nakatani with chances to counter Inoue coming in.
For Nakatani, the goal will be to control proceedings with the jab, make Inoue miss closing the gap and make him pay with left-hand counters. Nakatani has had plenty of success in the past with stepping back and landing lefts, whether it is a straight shot or an uppercut. Well aware of Inoue suffering early knockdowns in recent fights, Nakatani may look to deliver one of his own, even if his power at super bantamweight is still unproven. It will be interesting to see how both men react to the other’s punching power once they land their first significant punches.
Inoue suffered knockdowns against Nery and Cardenas because he wasn’t fearful of the threat posed by the two Mexican fighters and fought carelessly — something he won’t be doing against Nakatani. I expect Nakatani to pose problems for Inoue in the first half of the bout, but for Inoue to figure out Nakatani and win a competitive decision.
Pick: Inoue
