Naoya Inoue Vs. Junto Nakatani Targeted For 2026

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“It turned out to be a special year. I want to make this year even better. I want to do the best I can this year for the big domestic match that lots of fans and people around the sport have been talking about. Mr Nakatani, a year later at Tokyo Dome, let’s lift the mood around Japanese boxing together. If we can come through this year strongly, I believe it will be the most exciting bouts between Japanese in the country’s boxing history,” Inoue

“Sure, let’s do it,” Nakatani

The Approach

Inoue plan’s will likely involve using his footwork to get into mid range, utilizing feints and quick pivots to deny Nakatani the space he needs to operate. Inoue’s jab will be key to disrupt Nakatani’s rhythm and setting up his powerful crosses. He will be wary of Nakatani’s reach advantage (5’8″ tall with 68.5″ reach) and the straight left hand.

Inoue’s body work is one of his most reliable weapons. He will look to sap Nakatani’s stamina and lower his guard with sharp hooks and straights. Nakatani is a southpaw, a stance Inoue has historically handled well but which has also offered brief moments of vulnerability (like the left hook from Donaire).

Nakatani’s strategy will be based on distance management and landing his straight left hand. Nakatani will look to dictate the fight from the outside, establish outside foot position and setting up the straight left cross. The southpaw straight left is the exact punch that has troubled Inoue in the past (Nery and Cardenas). He needs to use his footwork to find angles and avoid being planted squarely in front of the faster Inoue. If he is too aggressive or gets caught in a pocket, Inoue’s power will be more dangerous.