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What’s Next For Junto Nakatani?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 9:28 AM ET

Junto Nakatani knocked out Ryosuke Nishida in the sixth round to become the WBC and IBF Bantamweight Champion as we look at his next steps.

The win extended Nakatani’s undefeated record to 31-0, with 24 knockouts to his name. Nakatani was the superior fighter, although Nishida made a positive start. The latter connected with his left hand to the body. Once Nakatani made some adjustments, he backed up Nishida on the ropes. The champion landed his left hand on numerous occasions, followed up by his uppercut. A straight left landed under the chin in round three, as Nakatani was now asserting his control. Further uppercuts followed in the fifth, as Nishida was on borrowed time. Nakatani delivered the final blow in round six with a flurry of punches to stop Nishida.

Options

Nakatani could now target a bout with the Undisputed Super Bantamweight Champion Naoya Inoue. The latter has become undisputed in two weight classes. He is coming off a win against Ramon Cardenas, as he stopped the latter to retain his Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title. That was Inoue’s 11th straight stoppage, as he has previously spoken about making the Nakatani fight.

Another alternative is to take on the WBO Bantamweight Champion Yoshiki Takei. The latter is 11-0, with nine knockouts to his name. He stopped Yuttapong Tongdee in his last fight, as Takei would be a scalp on Nakatani’s resume. Equally, the other champion in the division is Antonio Vargas. Vargas became the champion when the WBA elevated his interim status to a full holder while downgrading Seiya Tsutsumi to a champion in recess due to his injury.

Vargas’ record is 19-1-0, with 11 knockouts to his name. His only loss was in 2019 against Jose Maria Cardenas, while he stopped Winston Guerrero in his last fight. Nakatani must decide if he wants to pursue undisputed at bantamweight or move up to face Inoue. Either way, Nakatani has plenty of options moving forward.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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