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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.


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