Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani will square off in a generational super-fight today, as the Japanese stars clash at the Tokyo Dome.
Inoue will put 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?
Find out below with live updates and results.
Steve Bunce: Why Inoue vs Nakatani is bigger than you could possibly imagine
From 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.
“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:
Inoue vs Nakatani and full undercard today
Naoya Inoue (C) vs Junto Nakatani (undisputed super-bantamweight titles)
Takuma Inoue (C) vs Kazuto Ioka (WBC bantamweight champion)
Yoshiki Takei vs Dekang Wang (super-bantamweight)
Sora Tanaka vs Jin Sasaki (welterweight)
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 odds today
Inoue 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. The Independent vets betting sites for usability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
How to watch Inoue vs Nakatani today
The 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.
What time does Inoue vs Nakatani start today?
Inoue vs Nakatani takes place at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
TV coverage is due to begin at 10.40am BST (2.40am PT / 4.40am CT / 5.40am ET), with main-event ring walks expected at 1pm BST (5am PT / 7am CT / 8am ET).
Inoue vs Nakatani LIVE: Welcome
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?
Find out right here with our live updates and results.
