Junto Nakatani Makes History in Tokyo, Unifies Bantamweight Division with Victory Over Ryosuke Nishida

In the fight, which took place on June 8, 2025, at Ariake Coliseum, Nakatani made a lasting impression by defeating the IBF champion in the sixth round.

Nakatani made his power advantage clear right on. The 27-year-old southpaw, who had knocked out 24 opponents in his career before the fight, swung a barrage of devastating uppercuts and left hooks. Nishida bravely and tenaciously filled in, trying to keep up but eventually giving in to the swelling around his left eye. Referee Yuji Fukuchi stopped the match on medical advice because the oedema was so severe by the end of round six.

With the win, Nakatani's perfect professional record currently stands at 31–0 with 24 stoppages, and Nishida suffers his first defeat, dropping his record to 10–1. Nakatani became a unified bantamweight champion by adding the IBF and The Ring championships to his collection after already holding the WBC title. Despite the defeat, Nishida received recognition for his bravery in the ring.

The 28-year-old IBF champion, a committed southpaw technician, had earned his opportunity by defeating Emmanuel Rodriguez in May 2024. He displayed toughness that impressed both fans and insiders, refusing to back down even as his vision deteriorated during the battle. With the victory, Nishida loses for the first time, falling to 10-1, while Nakatani's flawless professional record now stands at 31-0 with 24 stoppages.

After winning the WBC title, Nakatani added the IBF and The Ring titles to his collection, making him a unified bantamweight champion. Nishida was praised for his valour in the ring despite the loss. A dedicated southpaw technician, the 28-year-old IBF champion earned his chance by defeating Emmanuel Rodriguez in May 2024. Even as his vision deteriorated during the war, he showed tenacity that astonished both fans and insiders.