Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani Make Weight for Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title Fight at Tokyo Dome
Undefeated Japanese boxers Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani both weighed in successfully on May 1, 2026, ahead of their all-Japanese showdown for the undisputed super bantamweight championship. The bout, set for May 2 at the sold-out Tokyo Dome before 55,000 fans, pits two 32-0 fighters against each other. Separately, actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are preparing for a court appearance.
japan-forward.comNaoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani, both holding undefeated 32-0 professional records, made weight for their undisputed super bantamweight title fight during a weigh-in on May 1, 2026, in Tokyo. The event drew over 1,000 fans, who watched as the fighters posed for photos following the official weigh-in, according to the Japan Times.
Post by @SkyNews on X
The fight is set to take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, before a crowd of 55,000 at the sold-out venue. This matchup has generated significant interest in Japan and internationally, highlighting a clash between two unbeaten countrymen vying for dominance in the super bantamweight division.
Forbes described the event as a full card showdown, with ringwalk times and broadcast details available on DAZN for viewers worldwide.
Junto Nakatani expressed confidence ahead of the bout, stating he would not be intimidated by his opponent. "I won't be intimidated when I face fellow unbeaten countryman Naoya 'Monster' Inoue," Nakatani said, as reported by the Japan Times. Nakatani aims to dethrone Inoue and claim the title, positioning himself as the new leading figure in Japanese boxing.
Inoue, known by the nickname 'Monster,' enters the ring as the champion holding all major belts in the super bantamweight class. The weigh-in ceremony underscored the fighters' readiness, with both meeting the required weight limits without issue.
Details on the nature of the legal proceedings remain limited in available reports, but the case marks a notable escalation in their ongoing dispute.
Promoters have arranged for extensive media coverage, including live streams and post-fight analysis, to capture the event's intensity. Nakatani's preparation focused on countering Inoue's aggressive style, while Inoue's camp emphasized maintaining his unbeaten streak.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 2, 2026
Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani fight for the undisputed super bantamweight title at Tokyo Dome before 55,000 fans.
2 sourcesJapan Times · Forbes - May 1, 2026
Weigh-in event for Inoue vs. Nakatani held in front of over 1,000 fans; both fighters make weight.
2 sourcesJapan Times · Forbes - Pre-2026
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's dispute escalates toward court appearance.
1 sourceSky News
Potential Impact
- 01
Sold-out status at Tokyo Dome highlights growing popularity of boxing in Japan, potentially increasing event revenues.
- 02
The fight could solidify one fighter as Japan's top boxer, boosting national interest in the sport.
- 03
Outcome of the bout may influence future title defenses and matchmaking in the super bantamweight division.
- 04
International broadcast on DAZN may expand global viewership for Japanese boxing talents.
- 05
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's court case could affect their professional collaborations in entertainment.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
The GuardianWHO Chief Visits DRC as Ebola Death Rate Reaches 30-50%
World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to support containment of a new Ebola outbreak. The agency revised the death rate to 30-50% based on confirmed cases and recorded 10 confirmed and 223 suspected d…
westernjournal.comGreek National Charged in UK With Aiding Iran-Linked Intelligence Service
A 46-year-old Greek man living in Germany was charged under the UK National Security Act with assisting an intelligence service believed to be Iran by targeting a journalist at Iran International.
straitstimes.comJournalists in Gaza to Receive 2026 Golden Pen of Freedom Award
Three international news agencies will accept the award on behalf of their local staff still reporting from the territory. The World Association of News Publishers cited the journalists' continued coverage under extreme conditions.