Philippines, 11 Jun 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Inoue vs Nakatani Make Weight, Set for Historic Showdown


PhilBoxing.com





The Tokyo Dome is ready for the most exciting action ever! Undefeated boxing stars Naoya "Monster" Inoue and Junto "Big Bang" Nakatani both made weight for their undisputed world title clash, setting the stage for what fans think is the most important fight in Japan's boxing history.

At Friday's official weigh-in, The Monster King Naoya Inoue came in razor-sharp at 55.3 kg.

His challenger, the taller, slick 3-division champion Junto Nakatani, tipped the JBC scale at 55.1 kg.

Both young men looked in peak condition, confident, with eyes locked, and ready for war!


Inoue makes weight for the historic all-Japanese May 2 battle in Tokyo.

Now the question that fight fans worldwide ponder is:

Can Nakatani’s height and reach keep the relentless Inoue at bay? Nakatani has the tools to box from distance and control the pace. But step inside, and you’re in Inoue’s world!

The Monster’s body attack is brutal, and his power has already dropped some of the very best in the world.

RING OFFICIALS FOR NAOYA INOUE VS JUNTO NAKATANI:

The experienced ring officials for Japan's Rumble of the Century are:

▼ Referee: Mr. Robert Hoyle (USA)
▼ Judge 1: Mr. Patrick Morey (USA)
▼ Judge 2: Mr. Raul Caiz (USA)
▼ Judge 3: Mr. Juan Carlos Pelayo (Mexico)


Nakatani flexes his muscles after making weight for his historic battle against compatriot Naoya Inoue in Tokyo on May 2.

PHILBOXING FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you asked Philboxing for their opinion, the legendary Filipino boxing website is split right down the middle like this:

Mr. Dong Secuya, Philboxing’s managing editor, boss, and creator, is backing Junto Nakatani! He sees Nakatani’s elite skillset, pedigree, raw power, and clear physical edges in height and reach as the difference.

Dong’s pick: Nakatani outboxes and controls Inoue over twelve, taking a close but unanimous decision over the Monster.

You agree with analysis of boss Dong Secuya?


Japanese boxing stars Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani both appeared relaxed and confident ahead of their highly anticipated historic all-Japanese battle in Tokyo on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Me, Carlos Costa, Philboxing Contributing Editor, I think the Monster! Naoya Inoue’s legendary talent, blinding speed, slick footwork, and dynamite in both hands will be too much.

Add his brutal body attack, and I see Inoue breaking Nakatani down for a thrilling late-rounds stoppage in a fight that will be one thrilling, unforgettable battle!

You agree with this?

Most importantly, what do you think?

Lets just wait a little bit longer.

Soon, we will have the great Michael Buffer calling, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

Two undefeated champions. One undisputed crown. One legendary venue!!!

Ohhh, and finally this: if you’re a 100% boxing fan, you already know that you have to do this: Find a way to watch this LIVE. Feel the thrill. May the best man win!!

And never forget to check on Philboxing, the Filipino Boxing Portal.

Written By Carlos Costa, Veteran boxing reporter in Cebu, Philippines carlos@philboxing.com


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • 2026 NBA Finals: Knicks Rally from 29 Points Down to Steal Game 4 from Spurs 107-106
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • VARGAS: BEATING BAM MAKES ME ‘THE MAN’
    , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo Hosts Media Workout Ahead of June 20 Defense Against Philippines’ Joey Canoy
    , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • Sanman 101 boxing event to push through in General Santos
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • Panamanian female champ star Nataly Delgado ready to beat Artiga for WBA title in Orlando, Florida
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • Pedro Veitia Eager to Separate Himself in Battle of Unbeaten Middleweight Prospects June 13 in Orlando
    , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • Raga, Esquillo, Ortega, Navarrete, Santos, Ripay to compete in Japan 10-Ball Open
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • Chess tournament goes to Dasmarinas Cavite
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 11 Jun 2026
  • Roach Jr. vs. Zepeda Press Conference Quotes
    , Wed, 10 Jun 2026
  • Steven Butler to face Edgar Berlanga on July 26 at the Infosys Theater of the Madison Square Garden in New York
    , Wed, 10 Jun 2026
  • Nimal Farmer scores signature win over Michael Anderson at Prudential Center
    , Wed, 10 Jun 2026
  • H2O EAGER TO MAKE STATEMENT AGAINST FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JOJO DIAZ IN HOMETOWN HEADLINER JUNE 19
    , Wed, 10 Jun 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 JUNE 2026: Ramirez SD Lerrone; Baumstarh SD Bustillos; Vazquez, Mindoro Win in Texas; Yabuki, Moloney, Casimero and Angeletti Win in Japan
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • 2026 NBA Finals: Spurs Take Game 3, Beat Knicks in New York 115-111
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • Casimero still rocking
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • Mascarinas faces tough competition in 66th San Carlos Charter Day
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • Raymond Muratalla Defends IBF Lightweight World Title Against Former Champion Robson Conceicao in Explosive Co-Main Event to Roach Jr. vs. Zepeda
    , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • IBA represented at the United Nations World Cup Diplomacy Summit in New York
    , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • Historic Costa Rican former champ Bryan Vasquez is arrested
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • Bruce Wren Tatad of Tanza, Cavite rules National Age Group Chess Championship ; vying Singapore chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 09 Jun 2026
  • Suslenkov to face Joyce in a thrilling showdown at IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
    , Mon, 08 Jun 2026
  • Dalton Smith receives inaugural WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy Belt in front of thousands in Mancheste
    , Mon, 08 Jun 2026
  • Stacey King three time NBA Champion with Chicago Bulls passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 08 Jun 2026
  • FM Daluz sweeps 10th AQ Prime chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 08 Jun 2026
  • Llover vows comeback
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 08 Jun 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.