Naoya Inoue has praised Junto Nakatani for his boxing IQ ahead of their history breaking match-up this Saturday at the Tokyo Dome, with the Japanese superstar also highlighting the mentality of his compatriot.
Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) will make a seventh-straight defense of his undisputed super-bantamweight title in-front of an expected 55,000 string crowd in the Japanese capital.
Nakatani (32-0, 24 KOs) makes his second appearance at 122 pounds following a less than convincing unanimous decision victory against the undefeated Sebastian Hernandez on the Inoue vs David Picasso undercard last November.
“I’ve done everything I have to do,” Inoue told the media today through a translator. “I’m now calm and very skilled, getting ready for May 2. [Nakatani] is a clever, smart, very straightforward, hardworking guy. He’s a great fighter. I need to have a mentality like his to get in the ring against him. I’ve given everything to be ready. Keep your eyes open and don’t blink.”
With Nakatani’s history as a three weight world champion at just 28-years-old combined with Inoue’s superstardom, the all Japanese mega-fight is the most anticipated in the country’s history. Japan massively dominates the lower weight classes, continuing a long legacy of success for the nation in boxing. The bout this weekend will draw in a large amount of casual spectators, particularly in the Japanese and Asian markets.
“A lot of people will be coming to see boxing for the first time,” Inoue explained. “So, it would be good if I could show them how great boxing is. I’ll show them Naoya Inoue and prove that I’m still great. Weight control is good, I am ready for tomorrow’s weigh-in. I think I’m in great condition.”
Nakatani will be a +350 underdog going into the biggest fight of his career against his 33-year-old countryman. However, the 28-year-old southpaw will be seen as arguably Inoue’s toughest test to date. Inoue is roughly priced as a -400 favourite to win.
