Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani fight for undisputed super bantamweight title
Updated
Updated · Boxing News 24 · May 1
Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani fight for undisputed super bantamweight title
14 articles · Updated · Boxing News 24 · May 1
The Tokyo Dome main event is expected around 9 a.m. ET on DAZN, with Inoue defending the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
Undercard results already in include Jin Sasaki beating Sora Tanaka on a split decision for the OPBF title, while Toshiki Shimomachi won, Kosuke Tomioka drew and Yuito Moriwaki edged Deok No Yun.
The card also features Takuma Inoue defending his WBC bantamweight title against Kazuto Ioka in a show billed as one of the biggest events in Japanese boxing history.
Is this fight the peak of Japan's boxing golden age, or just the beginning?
Will Nakatani's physical advantages shatter Inoue's perfect record and legendary status?
Could tomorrow's winner become the face of Zuffa Boxing's new global league?
May 2, 2026: Inoue’s Unanimous Decision Victory and Nakatani’s Bold Weight-Class Leap
Overview
On May 2, 2026, Naoya Inoue defended his undisputed super bantamweight titles by defeating Junto Nakatani via unanimous decision in a sold-out Tokyo Dome event attended by 55,000 fans. Nakatani used his height and reach advantage early, but Inoue's powerful body shots and resilience, especially after a pivotal Round 8 exchange, shifted control and secured his victory, extending his perfect record to 33-0. Despite the loss, Nakatani proved he can compete at super bantamweight after moving up without prior fights in the division. Meanwhile, Takuma Inoue also won his WBC bantamweight title defense, contributing to the event's status as the biggest in Japanese boxing history and elevating Japan's global boxing profile.