Junto Nakatani

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Junto Nakatani, born on December 27, 1997, in Osaka, Japan, displayed an early passion for boxing that would shape his future. Growing up in the vibrant city, Nakatani was drawn to the discipline and intensity of the sport from a young age. His journey into boxing began when he was just ten years old, as he joined a local gym to pursue his interest in the sweet science. Under the guidance of seasoned coaches, Nakatani honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks with his natural talent and dedication.

 

In his amateur career, Nakatani showcased remarkable promise and skill, impressing spectators and opponents alike with his speed, agility, and precision in the ring. Throughout his amateur tenure, which spanned from 2012 to 2016, Nakatani amassed an impressive record, competing in numerous tournaments and championships both domestically and internationally. Among his notable achievements, Nakatani clinched the gold medal at the prestigious Japanese National Boxing Championships in the flyweight division in 2014, solidifying his status as one of Japan’s most promising boxing prospects.

 

During his amateur career, Nakatani faced off against formidable opponents from around the world, each bout serving as a stepping stone in his journey towards greatness. His relentless work ethic and unwavering determination propelled him to victory after victory, earning him accolades and recognition within the boxing community. Nakatani’s standout performances on the international stage further cemented his reputation as a rising star, with notable wins in tournaments such as the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and the World Amateur Boxing Championships.

 

Professional Career

 

Junto Nakatani, a rising star in the world of professional boxing, embarked on his journey to greatness with a memorable debut on April 26, 2015. The bout, held at the Industrial Hall in Gifu, Japan, saw Nakatani deliver a stunning first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Junichi Itoga, signaling the arrival of a formidable talent in the flyweight division. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable streak for Nakatani, as he proceeded to notch up an impressive 9-0 record in his early professional career.

 

Nakatani’s ascent in the boxing world gained momentum as he faced a series of formidable opponents, showcasing his skill and determination with each victory. Notable among these triumphs was his showdown against Masamichi Yabuki on an unspecified date, a bout that earned Nakatani recognition in the flyweight rankings by the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC). His stellar performance in the Japanese flyweight Youth Tournament further solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with, culminating in a victory over Seigo Yuri Akui on an unspecified date in the tournament finals, where he was crowned the tournament MVP.

 

As Nakatani’s professional career progressed, so did his list of accomplishments. He claimed the vacant Japanese flyweight title with a ninth-round technical knockout victory over Naoki Mochizuki on an unspecified date, further establishing his dominance in the ring. A highlight of Nakatani’s career came on November 6, 2020, when he faced Giemel Magramo for the vacant WBO flyweight title. In a highly anticipated bout at the Korakuen Hall, Nakatani delivered a masterful performance, securing the title with an eighth-round technical knockout.

 

Nakatani’s journey to boxing stardom continued with successful title defenses and memorable victories, including a spectacular knockout win over Andrew Moloney on May 20, 2023, to claim the vacant WBO super flyweight title. His remarkable prowess in the ring earned him recognition beyond the boxing community, with his knockout of Moloney being voted The Ring magazine Knockout of the Year. He followed this up with another win against Alexandro Santiago via TKO to win the WBC Bantamweight title.