In the biggest Japanese boxing match of this generation, Naoya Inoue beat Junto Nakatani on Saturday, handing his compatriot the first loss of his professional career.
Inoue secured a unanimous-decision victory at the Tokyo Dome, retaining the undisputed super-bantamweight titles and preserving his unbeaten record.
Both Inoue, 33, and Nakatani, 28, entered the super-fight with perfect records and as multi-weight champions, but it was the “Monster” who solidified his already-remarkable legacy. Inoue (33-0, 27 KOs) earned scorecards of 116-112, 115-113, 116-112, extending his current title reign – which has followed an undisputed run at bantamweight, and previous title wins at light-flyweight and super-flyweight.
Meanwhile, Nakatani won gold at flyweight and super-flyweight before becoming unified bantamweight champion, a reign that gave way to his super-bantamweight debut in December. And against the finest opposition that the division could offer, Nakatani came up short on Saturday, suffering the same fate as every other foe that Inoue has faced.
Re-live the fight below:
Inoue vs Nakatani LIVE
- Naoya Inoue outpoints Junto Nakatani in true super-fight in Tokyo
- Inoue retains undisputed super-bantamweight belts against fellow Japanese
- Scorecards read 116-112, 115-113, 116-112 as Nakatani loses for first time
- Inoue, meanwhile, remains unbeaten with win over fellow multi-weight champ
- Both men rank in The Independent’s pound-for-pound top 10
- Action streamed live exclusively on DAZN
Who’s next for Inoue? Bam Rodriguez?
17:30 , Alex PattleInoue has been loosely linked to a fight with another pound-for-pound talent in Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, the 26-year-old sensation.
Bam is an unbeaten two-weight champ, having been unified at flyweight and super-flyweight.
Inoue has welcomed that fight, although he said today that he’d like a bit of a break before competing again.
Also, it would be a HUGE leap up in weight for Bam. Inoue was once even lighter than the Mexican-American, but he moved up gradually – not that much in one go.
Nakatani’s best spell of the fight
16:30 , Alex PattleAnother Compubox stat, per The Ring: round eight was the first in which Nakatani outlanded Inoue.
In fact, from round eight to round 10, he landed 48 punches to Inoue’s 34.
A good fight? Certainly once it got going
16:00 , Alex PattleAt the midway point, boxing journalist Dan Rafael tweeted: “Inoue 5-1. Hasn’t been a good fight at all so far unfortunately.”
I had a similar score but didn’t feel it had been a poor fight; it had been a bit underwhelming but tense, and that tension paid off with a really strong second half!
A key stat for Inoue en route to victory
15:30 , Alex PattleThe Ring magazine has referenced Compubox, which reports that Inoue threw a fight-high 53 power punches and landed 21 of them in round 11.
That felt a key round at the time.
Nakatani can hold his head high
15:15 , Alex PattleNakatani fought really well tonight. If he’d just started more quickly...?
Inoue just too good for spirited Nakatani in long-awaited super-fight
15:09 , Alex PattleYou can read our full report here:
Naoya Inoue just too good for spirited Junto Nakatani in long-awaited super-fight
One of Inoue’s finer moments
15:04 , Alex PattleInoue began to use uppercuts really well in the final couple of rounds. An essential weapon in the end.
The winning moment!
15:00 , Alex Pattle
Both men graceful after the result is declared
14:50 , Alex PattleNakatani bows to the crowd then exits the ring.
Inoue thanks him and congratulates him on a great effort!
In line with our scorecard
14:48 , Alex PattleNAKATANI WINS!
14:46 , Alex PattleNaoya Inoue def. Junto Nakatani via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 116-112)
Inoue wins! Still champ, still unbeaten; Nakatani loses for the first time.
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round 12
14:44 , Alex PattleFinal round!
Nakatani with a few hooks to the head, mostly blocked... Inoue fires back with his own combination!
He sticks to that uppercut, throwing it with his rear hand. He jettisons a cross Nakatani’s way, and another one seems to drain the challenger...
Nakatani looks a little faded, and he eats another right after a jab set-up by Inoue! Nakatani fires back, but Inoue has the greater firepower at the moment...
Inoue with slick head movement late on. He’s pressing forward and keeping Nakatani honest.
We hear the final bell! The pair smile and embrace. Lovely to see. Scores incoming!
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round 11
14:40 , Alex PattleInoue with a nice start to this round, and he adds a big cross!
Nakatani with a short uppercut in the pocket. He throws to the body then head. More shots land for Nakatani.
Inoue looks a bit fresher than in round 10, though. He lands a good uppercut and adds a pair of extra punches! He’s chasing Nakatani and lands another uppercut!
Nakatani is retreating. This round is HUGE, and it’s going Inoue’s way...
Is the blood from the cut troubling Nakatani? He eats another uppercut, a new weapon that has worked well for Inoue in the 11th.
7-4 to Inoue, I’d say, but 6-5 is definitely possible!
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round 10
14:36 , Alex PattleNakatani with more positive work, including a right hook that jolts Inoue’s head to the side! Inoue with good offence in between, but the tide feels like it’s turning.
Clean cross by Inoue. He’s still coming forward. Nakatani snaps back his head now, though.
Nakatani lands upstairs then targets the body. He’s steering Inoue around the ring all of a sudden. He lands to the body again!
Inoue looks tired, but a clash of heads cuts Nakatani! A brief pause in the action, but we’re soon under way again.
It’s not an especially-bad cut, but Inoue might have needed that breather.
Anyway, a Nakatani round. 6-4 to Inoue, I’d say, and it’s suddenly all to play for in the championship rounds!
Nakatani is cut 🩸#InoueNakatani | Live now on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/chehqeMhkU
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 2, 2026
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round nine
14:31 , Alex PattleHeavy left hook from Nakatani, who has started this ninth round very aggressively. There are still four rounds for something big to happen, potentially in his favour...
Grazing cross by Inoue, who has done well to stop Nakatani from bullying him here.
Nakatani lands to the body then connects upstairs with a trio of shots. Counter jab by Inoue. Cross by Nakatani.
A pair of hooks from Inoue, partially blocked. He rolls under a left hook by Nakatani. Beautiful cross by Inoue, who steps off the centre line as he lands it.
Good left hooks from Nakatani, and another flurry! He’s loading up and landing, and Inoue has to be careful... He’s still landing, too, but he must beware.
Good round for Nakatani. Inoue leads 6-3, for me.
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round eight
14:27 , Alex PattleInoue with combination punching, culminating in a hook. Nakatani with his own hook and a good uppercut. The usually-silent crowd is cooing!! They love this. And they should.
Nakatani stalks Inoue and tries to assert himself. Two left hooks in a row, one firm and one blocked. Great slew of jabs by Inoue – 1, 2, 3! Ping, ping, ping.
Another nice combination from him, as Nakatani covers up and tries to throw a counter. Lovely right hook as well by Inoue, after he leans away and then forward in a smooth loop.
A cross attempt has Nakatani retreating. Hard jab by Inoue, big right hook by Nakatani.
Inoue drops his hands briefly but uses his footwork to avoid an aggressive Nakatani. He thumps Inoue to the body with a left hook.
It’s a positive end to the round by Nakatani, but a little bit too late.
6-2 to Inoue as we see it. You could say 7-3.
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round seven
14:23 , Alex PattleBoth men let their hands go for a while. Hard hook by Nakatani, but still Inoue presses forward.
Great step-in jab by Inoue – rapid. He lands another then steps out of range. Nakatani with a nice pair of shots.
They’re throwing with greater frequency! Nakatani lands again, then Inoue does, leading to a BIG right cross!
Another cross. He can’t get complacent, though; Inoue has been dropped more than once in his career...
Nakatani is bleeding from the nose. He grapples Inoue, who dips to evade a step-in effort.
Decent left hook by Nakatani. Confident finish by Inoue.
5-2 to Inoue? That’s a good round from him at a pivotal moment.
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round six
14:19 , Alex PattlePiston cross by Nakatani! Back comes Inoue with his own, but it’s not as severe.
Now Inoue lands a cross to the body. Next, a long left hook by Nakatani, as he comes marauding forward.
Spearing jab by Inoue. Grazing cross by Nakatani. Short cross by Inoue.
The pace has picked up at the midpoint of this 12-round fight.
Another body cross by Inoue, now one to the chest. Strong end to the round by Inoue, but a decent counter uppercut by Nakatani.
It’s very close again. Jusssssst Nakatani? I’m not sure. We’ll say so. 4-2 to Inoue, as we see it.
Some exchange ⚡️#InoueNakatani | Live now on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/QRVt4dWvBY
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 2, 2026
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round five
14:15 , Alex PattleA slower start to this round, before Nakatani tries to get his jab going. He lands a left hook but eats a harder one from Inoue.
Great cross by Nakatani! It splits the guard, piercing.
Now he’s backed up, and he eats a clean cross from Inoue. Right hook misses for Nakatani.
Another decent cross by Inoue, who avoids the subsequent Nakatani jab – but a lead hook connects for Nakatani!
Nakatani with another nice entry, before he’s tagged to the body.
It’s a close round. Better from Nakatani, but enough to secure the frame? We’ll give it to him. 4-1 to Inoue.
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round four
14:11 , Alex PattleInoue enters off a series of jabs and follows up with a stern cross. He’s manoeuvring Nakatani into the corner again.
Inoue misses with a HUGE right hand, and Nakatani’s left hand seems to tag him in response.
Peek-a-boo guard by Inoue, who is trying to draw an opening out of his countryman.
Nakatani lands but Inoue comes back with a harder shot. Now a cross to the mid-section of Nakatani.
Lovely one-two by Inoue!! He seemed to actually feint the cross after the jab, before throwing it fully. Slick.
4-0 to Inoue in Indy Sport’s eyes; at best for Nakatani, 3-1.
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round three
14:07 , Alex PattleNakatani misses with some light jab efforts, but he throws one as more of a check hook, perhaps a hint at what he’s trying to catch Inoue with.
Now a step-in jab lands for the challenger, as he’s a bit more proactive with it.
Good cross to the body by Inoue, who then lands a short uppercut as Nakatani tries to grapple. Jab by Inoue. Again he lands to the body and Nakatani misses.
Inoue is taking fewer risks than usual, but he’s still been a bit more daring than Nakatani, who is cornered here.
More offence from Inoue, who just leans back in time to avoid a rapid counter from Nakatani.
3-0 to Inoue, I’d say. Nakatani needs to do something a bit braver. Easier said than done, of course...
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round two
14:02 , Alex PattleInoue puts together a longer combination, although he’s chasing Nakatani a little bit as he does.
Inoue then closes range and the pair tie up. Back at distance now, and the Japanese duo are pawing at each other’s lead hands.
Inoue then steps in with a long right hand to the body. Nakatani with a double-jab that is out of range, but Inoue’s own double-jab is parried.
Long jab to the body by Inoue; most of these shots are long because of how rangy Nakatani is.
Inoue taking some risks here; Nakatani a bit more passive.
Inoue starting to land that right hand when he hops into range. Pawing check hook by Nakatani.
Inoue 20-18 Nakatani, as we see it.
Inoue vs Nakatani: Round one
13:59 , Alex PattleNakatani stands southpaw with a very wide stance; Inoue is orthodox and throwing jabs early. He shoots for a cross upstairs, too.
Nakatani is mainly just having a look for now. Inoue throws to the body then scoots back to evade a jab upstairs. Nakatani flicks out more teasing jabs – more to draw a reaction than cause damage.
Nakatani’s reach looks so long... He jabs to the body while stooping low. Inoue has to beware the southpaw left when it finally comes...
Solid right by Inoue, who then drops his hands for a moment. He jabs to the body, steps back to avoid a hook, then lands a right hand. A hook late in the round, too.
For us, Inoue takes the opener. It’s tense, though.
Inoue vs Nakatani begins at long last!
13:55 , Alex PattleFIRST BELL SOUNDS, HERE WE GO!
National anthem sung with no backing music
13:50 , Alex PattleA stirring moment. Inoue with his eyes closed, Nakatani looking pensive. And a round of applause when the anthem finishes.
Inoue emerges after theatrical build-up to ring walk
13:46 , Alex PattleNakatani’s ring walk was much simpler than Inoue’s, which has dancers, fireworks, a guitarist, and all sorts of cool visuals!
Inoue doesn’t actually emerge on the stage for quite some time, but when he does, the roar is immense.
The Japanese tend to watch fights in silent respect, so this might be the final big cheer before the bout ends.
Inoue takes his time, a stern expression on his face as he takes in the moment.
Inoue vs Nakatani prediction as pound-for-pound stars clash
13:44 , Alex PattleIn Steve Bunce’s preview for Indy Sport, he wrote:
“It is hard to back against Inoue and the inevitable bowing of 55,000 adoring fans at the end.”
However, Bunce also noted: “In many ways, an Inoue defeat would be refreshing, the rematch ridiculous, and – perhaps –Nakatani’s timing is just right...”
A reminder that Inoue and Nakatani are both in our pound-for-pound top 10!
Almost every fight razor close so far...
13:42 , Alex PattleBelow are the undercard results in full, showing how close almost every fight has been... The same to come with Inoue vs Nakatani?
Yoshiki Takei def. Dekang Wang via majority decision (77-75, 76-76, 78-74)
Takuma Inoue def. Kazuto Ioka via unanimous decision (119-107, 120-106, 118-108)
Jin Sasaki def. Sora Tanaka via split decision
Kosuke Tomioka and Shogo Tanaka fight to split draw
Toshiki Shimomachi def. Reiya Abe via majority decision
Yuito Moriwaki def. Deok No Yun via split decision
Inoue vs Nakatani ring walks begin!
13:38 , Alex PattleLegendary MC Michael Buffer is in the ring to announce the fighters!
A very-relaxed-looking Junto Nakatani will make his walk first, then a seemingly more-intense Naoya Inoue...
Inoue vs Nakatani odds as ring walks approach
13:36 , Alex PattleInoue is a heavy favourite with all the major UK betting sites, with Nakatani a best price of 7/2 to emerge victorious.
Inoue – 1/4
Nakatani – 7/2
Draw – 16/1
Odds via Betfred.
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Steve Bunce: Why Inoue vs Nakatani is bigger than you could possibly imagine
13:33 , Alex PattleFrom Steve Bunce’s preview for Indy Sport:
“This morning in Tokyo, 55,000 people will sit down in silence for the greatest Japanese fight in history.
“The Tokyo Dome is sold out; the fight will stop a nation and the pay-per-view numbers might set a global record. The Japanese boxing renaissance is in full and beautiful flow: Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani are their two biggest stars.
“Inoue’s figures are truly astounding, but Nakatani’s are similar; it is the rarest of fights in the most exotic of boxing locations. Two unbeaten men, both Japanese and both at their peaks, with multiple world championship belts on the line.
“It is the type of fight that can be compared to the long-overdue showdown between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in their ‘Fight of the Century’ over 50 years ago. It is also, arguably, the biggest fight to take place anywhere in the world between two boxers without direct USA or UK interest.
“It feels epic, the numbers are off the scale.”
Full preview:
Why Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani is bigger than you could possibly imagine
Inoue vs Nakatani imminent – don’t go anywhere!
13:28 , Alex PattleOkay, the main event is next...
Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani will square off in a generational super-fight between Japanese stars.
Inoue puts the undisputed super-bantamweight titles on the line against Nakatani, who – like his compatriot – carries an unbeaten record into this long-awaited bout.
Another similarity between Inoue, 33, and Nakatani, 28, is their dominance in multiple divisions; Inoue previously reigned as undisputed bantamweight champion and held gold at two lower weights, while Nakatani has held belts in three divisions, including a unified-title run at bantamweight.
Last time out, however, southpaw Nakatani (32-0, 24 KOs) struggled on his super-bantamweight debut, while – at the same event – Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) eased to victory.
What do those performances mean for today’s showdown? We’ll find out any moment now...
Yoshiki Takei def. Dekang Wang via majority decision
13:24 , Alex PattleTakei gets the nod, though it’s close on two of the three scorecards!
Yoshiki Takei def. Dekang Wang via majority decision (77-75, 76-76, 78-74)
Takei and Wang go the distance – Inoue vs Nakatani moments away
13:20 , Alex PattleBruised under both eyes, Wang pursues a late finish and stumbles to the mat!
But he’s game until the end, testing a tired Takei, who also does well to avoid the utmost danger.
Decision incoming.
Great round! Back and forth
13:12 , Alex PattleWe said in the last post that Takei is the slicker fighter but that Wang is using his pace well, and the sixth round just summed that up!
Takei really sought a finish and looked dynamite, but he punched himself out and found himself on the receiving end of a spirited fightback from Wang.
Takei vs Wang speeds along
13:07 , Alex PattleLovely counter cross by Takei from that southpaw stance, now an uppercut.
He still looks the slicker boxer; this fight is more about how well he can deal with the pace and pressure of Wang.
Those assets have had Takei breathing heavily more than once, but with only eight rounds scheduled – and five done – he should be okay.
Dekang Wang with promising spell in round three
12:59 , Alex PattleAfter a fairly comfortable start by Takei, Wang has a really nice stint, landing all manner of shots in the corner.
Good third round for Wang.
Takuma Inoue def. Kazuto Ioka via unanimous decision
12:27 , Alex PattleInoue retains the WBC bantamweight title with ease! But credit to Ioka for his heart.
Takuma Inoue def. Kazuto Ioka via unanimous decision (119-107, 120-106, 118-108)
Takuma Inoue scores second knockdown of Kazuto Ioka!
11:43 , Alex PattleRound three
Credit to Ioka: he's undeterred and stays on the front foot in round three, but he walks onto an uppercut!
Down he goes again! Was there a slight shove from Inoue, though, after the punch?
Ioka is back up, but he's wobbly. Soon thereafter, Inoue is indeed warned by the ref for a bit of a push.
Now there's a warning against Inoue for holding.
Takuma Inoue drops Kazuto Ioka in second round!
11:41 , Alex PattleRound two
Ioka gets on the front foot, backs up Inoue to the ropes, and throws to the body then head. Do the shots graze Inoue? The latter shakes his head.
Ioka continues to press forward and let his hands go, but he's turned on the ropes by Inoue.
It's not long before Ioka is controlling the centre again and throwing combinations against the ropes, but Inoue is unfazed and lands a spearing jab. Now a good cross by Inoue...
Oh! A left hook seems to hurt Ioka, and a right hook drops him!!
Inoue is already celebrating, but Ioka stands – just in time for the end of the round...
How to watch Inoue vs Nakatani today
10:10 , Alex PattleThe action will stream live exclusively on DAZN, with plans starting at £15.99 per month. The fight card has not been announced as a DAZN pay-per-view event, meaning it is available to any DAZN subscriber.
