TLDR
- Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani is targeted for May 2 in Tokyo, billed as potentially the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history
- A Ring magazine poll showed 73% of fans would rather see Inoue face Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez than Nakatani
- Nakatani’s controversial decision win over Sebastian Hernandez on November 22 raised questions about the matchup
- Rodriguez currently fights at 115 pounds, seven pounds below Inoue’s 122-pound division
- Betting odds already exist for Inoue-Rodriguez with Inoue listed as a minus 550 favorite
Sources: 15Rounds | Bloody Elbow | 15Rounds (opinion)
Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani are heading toward a May 2 showdown in Tokyo, but boxing fans have made it clear they would prefer a different opponent for the Japanese superstar. Multiple reports from Boxing Scene and the World Boxing Council confirm the fight is being targeted for early May.
The bout is being promoted as potentially the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. Both fighters hold world titles at junior featherweight, with Inoue as the undisputed champion at 122 pounds.
Nakatani’s Performance Raises Questions
The matchup has faced fresh scrutiny after Nakatani’s controversial decision win over Sebastian Hernandez on November 22. The former bantamweight champion struggled in his debut at 122 pounds, leaving the ring with a bruised right eye and questions about his readiness.
Fans reacted quickly to the less-than-convincing performance. A poll conducted by The Ring magazine asked boxing followers who they would rather see face Inoue: Nakatani or Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez.
The results were lopsided. Seventy-three percent of respondents chose Rodriguez over Nakatani for the dream matchup with Inoue.
Rodriguez, a unified super flyweight champion from San Antonio, currently fights at 115 pounds. The 25-year-old has climbed into the top five of most pound-for-pound rankings, sitting behind only Inoue and heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The weight difference between Rodriguez and Inoue is seven pounds. Critics argue the gap is too large for a competitive fight.
Size Argument Faces Pushback
However, boxing observers point out that both fighters started their careers at the same weight class. Rodriguez stands 5-foot-4 while Inoue is 5-foot-5, and both began at junior flyweight at 108 pounds.
The comparison to Inoue’s previous challenges has also emerged. When Inoue faced Nonito Donaire in 2019, similar concerns about size existed.
Inoue won that fight by unanimous decision at 120 pounds in what became Fight of the Year. He defeated Donaire again in 2022, this time by second-round stoppage.
Betting odds for a potential Inoue-Rodriguez fight already exist. Inoue is listed as a solid favorite at minus 550, despite the matchup remaining hypothetical.
The age gap between the fighters adds another layer to the discussion. Rodriguez will turn 26 on January 20, while Inoue will be 33 on April 10.
Inoue has hinted through interpreters about potential retirement in 2027. Smaller fighters typically have shorter careers than heavyweights, which puts pressure on the ticking clock for any Rodriguez superfight.
Nakatani’s difficult performance against Hernandez may have been the result of moving up in weight. Hernandez, a dangerous opponent largely unknown outside Mexico, proved more challenging than expected.
Some analysts suggest the tough fight could make Nakatani more dangerous against Inoue. The experience may have taught valuable lessons at the new weight class.
Despite fan preferences, the Inoue-Nakatani fight remains on track for May 2 in Tokyo. Nakatani holds an unbeaten record and debuted at number four in ESPN’s junior featherweight rankings after his win over Hernandez.
