Nakatani vs Inoue – Junto Nakatani sets the record straight regarding superfight

Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani will both appear on the December 27 The Ring V: Night of the Samurai fight card. Now both competing in the super bantamweight division, a superfight between the two appears closer than ever. Nakatani, through an interpreter, appeared on the Fight Freaks Unite podcast with Dan Rafael and was asked about the potential superfight with Inoue.

Junto Nakatani addresses potential superfight with Naoya Inoue in 2026

Brunch Boxing recently reported that Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani is a done deal for May 3 in Tokyo. BoxingScene and other outlets also quickly reported the date of May 3.

It’s a bout that has been rumoured for some time, and now they are appearing on the same card, with The Monster defending his undisputed super bantamweight title against Alan David Picasso, with Nakatani making his debut at the same weight against Sebastian Hernandez in the co-main event at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, Riyadh. The entire event will be available on DAZN Pay-Per-View worldwide, and will also be included as part of DAZN’s new Ultimate Tier subscription at no extra cost.

Listen to the full interview with Junto Nakatani, and the recap of Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul with Dan Rafael and TJ Rives, by pressing the play button below.

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani

During the interview, through an interpreter, Nakatani revealed that he has watched all of Inoue’s fights since he won the bantamweight world title, and facing The Monster became a more realistic prospect.

When asked how he sees himself matching up with Inoue, Nakatani said: “Yes, I know he’s a great fighter, but I myself want to be called a great fighter as well. So, then winning against him makes me more of a great fighter.

“So that’s the kind of motivation I have right now,” said Nakatani.

Rafael then asked Nakatani about the magnitude of an Inoue fight should they both win on December 27:

“Yes, that’s a great honour to be part of it. I’m really excited and enjoying my life these days, and of course, this opportunity, I have to make sure it’s going to be on my career and step up to the next level. That’s what I feel about it,” said Nakatani.