Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani: Bob Arum Teases Mega Fight for 2025

Boxing has undoubtedly enjoyed a memorable 2024 thus far, with undisputed bouts and other fights already taking place. More intriguing contests are set for the remainder of 2024, including the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. During his interview with Dan Rafael for a special Fight Freaks Unite/Big Fight Weekend podcast, Bob Arum spoke about the likely next fight for Naoya Inoue. The Top Rank CEO also discussed a potential mega-fight for 2025 between “Monster” and Junto Nakatani.

Bob Arum Talks Potential Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani Mega Fight

Arum Discusses Magnitude of Inoue-Nakatani

Dan Rafael revealed that he like many in the boxing world would love to see Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani. Arum went on to discuss the possibility of that fight and the magnitude of two Japanese fighters colliding: “It is rare and from what I’ve been told by (Hideyuki) Ohashi, the manager, promoter of Inoue and (Akihiko) Honda, our friend Honda who is the co-promoter with us of Nakantani. Inoue-Nakatani will be by far the biggest fight in the history of Japan and they would put it in the Tokyo Dome which is in itself fairly rare,” said Arum.

To hear the Bob Arum interview in full with Dan Rafael, click the play button below.

Arum Reveals Venue and Timing for Potential Fight

Arum was then asked following Inoue’s fight against Goodman and his Las Vegas bout –  is the plan for him to face Nakatani in the summer/early fall, and he responded: “Exactly. Whenever we can get the Tokyo Dome, that’s the key, because it’s not only with the Baseball team that plays there, the Tokyo Giants. They also do entertainment, it’s always booked up. Brad Jacobs (COO of Top Rank) has met with the head guy at the Tokyo Dome and they‘re aiming for a date in the summer or fall of next year to do that fight.”

If Top Rank can make Inoue vs. Nakatani – that will certainly be at the top of many people’s 2025 must-see fights list.