Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani will compete in the biggest boxing match in Japanese boxing history. IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani Fight Reaches Impressive Feat

Originally posted on KO on SI | By Tobias Linkin | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 4:50 PM ET

The super bantamweight super fight between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani is arguably the best matchup in boxing and the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history.

Inoue and Nakatani were placed together in hypothetical fights for years before Nakatani made the move up to 122 pounds in December. The fight is set to take place on May 2 at the Tokyo Dome.

Inoue is the largest face in Japanese boxing. Only two fights have previously taken place at the Tokyo Dome due to it's 55,000 person capacity. Those fights are Mike Tyson vs Buster Douglas in 1990 and Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery in 2024.

Inoue vs Nakatani sells out

According to Inoue's promoter, Hideyuki Ohashi, Inoue-Nakatani is already sold out, despite another month before the fight takes place.

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Why is Inoue vs. Nakatani so highly anticipated?

Throughout boxing history, major fights between fighters in the smaller weight classes have struggled to generate popularity. So why does Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani different?

A fight of this magnitude between two elite pound-for-pound fighters isn't common in boxing. In the latest Ring Magazine rankings, Inoue is ranked at two, trailing only heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Nakatani is ranked at seven, ahead of major names such as David Benavidez and Devin Haney.

Both fighters are popular amongst boxing fans. They both employ an all-action, KO heavy style. Inoue has 27 KOs in 32 wins, while Nakatani has 24 KOs in 32 wins.

Who are other boxers picking to win the Fight?

IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

With a fight of this magnitude, other boxers have started to weigh in.

Former undisputed welterweight and super middleweight champion Terence Crawford told Ring Magazine his thoughts on which pound-for-pound talent will come out on top.

Former unified super bantamweight champion Stpehen "Coolboy" Fulton, who lost to Inoue via an eighth-round TKO in 2023, is picking "The Monster" to defend his titles.

"I'm going Inoue, I've got to go Inoue. You beat me, you better not lose again!"Stephen Fulton

Despite both fighters being elite talents, Inoue is a heavy favorite, coming in at -450 odds to win, according to FanDuel. Nakatani is a +310 underdog.

This article first appeared on KO on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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