Not only Japan but the whole world is looking forward to the super fight between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani. This fight is widely considered the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. The bout is scheduled to take place at Tokyo Dome in Japan on May 2.
Inoue will put his undisputed super bantamweight title line on the line, and this fight will see two unbeaten Japanese stars collide, with both fighters entering the contest with identical 32–0 records, further adding to the magnitude of the clash.
Ahead of the exciting bout, fighters, analysts, and fans have been sharing their predictions, and now Australian boxer brothers Jason Moloney and Andrew Moloney have chimed in with their predictions for the upcoming showdown between Inoue and Nakatani, set to take place on May 2 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
Jason Moloney sees Inoue as the man to beat Nakatani
Speaking with The Ring Magazine, Jason, who shared the ring with Inoue back in 2020 in Las Vegas, where he got knocked out in the seventh round, acknowledged the challenge posed by Nakatani but made his stance clear.
“As good as Nakatani is, I don’t think anyone can beat Inoue at the moment. I see Inoue winning the fight.” Jason said.
He pointed to the stylistic intrigue of the matchup, highlighting Nakatani’s awkward and rangy approach.
“He’s got such a unique, awkward, long style that can be hard to deal with. How is Inoue going to break this guy down?”
Despite that, Jason emphasized Inoue’s complete skill set.
“How do you beat Naoya Inoue? He’s just so well-rounded. He’s so good at everything, at every distance.”
However, he did note a potential vulnerability.
“We’ve seen Inoue get hurt and dropped in recent fights because he’s so aggressive. That makes him exciting, but also vulnerable.”
Still, his prediction remains firm.
“Nakatani will have his chances… but my money’s on Inoue,” Jason concluded.
Andrew Moloney backs Inoue’s explosiveness
Back in 2023, Andrew faced Nakatani in twelve rounds, 115 pounds WBO title also favors Inoue, but for different reasons.
“The big difference between the two fighters is how explosive Inoue is,” he said.
While praising Nakatani’s size, speed, and punching ability, Andrew believes Inoue’s footwork and power will be decisive.
“Inoue’s explosiveness and foot speed will be the edge, closing the distance and letting go of those dynamite punches.”
Like his brother, Andrew expects Inoue to come out on top.
“I think Inoue wins this fight, and I can’t wait to watch it unfold.”
The fight marks one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing, with both fighters dominating their divisions.
Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. Nakatani, meanwhile, brings size, reach, and an unconventional style that could pose unique problems.
With both men known for their finishing ability, the clash promises to deliver high drama.
