The landscape of world boxing is set for a seismic event in 2026, as two of Japan's undefeated pound-for-pound kings, Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani, appear destined for a historic showdown. The path to this colossal fight was paved on Sunday, December 28, 2025 (Philippine Time), when both stars secured decisive victories in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Dominant Wins Set the Stage for Super-Fight
In the main event at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, the undisputed junior featherweight champion, Naoya "The Monster" Inoue, showcased his elite skills against David Picasso. Inoue, who now holds a perfect record of 32 wins with 27 knockouts, controlled the fight from start to finish. The judges' scorecards of 119-109, 120-108, and 117-111 reflected a clear unanimous decision victory, further cementing his status as one of the sport's very best.
Earlier that same night, Junto Nakatani made a successful and impressive debut in the 122-pound division. Moving up in weight, Nakatani faced Sebastian Hernandez and also emerged victorious by unanimous decision. The official scores were 115-113, 115-113, and a wider 118-110, proving his adaptability and skill. Nakatani's flawless record now also stands at 32-0, with 24 wins coming by way of knockout.
The Making of a Historic Japanese Boxing Event
The consecutive triumphs have ignited immediate speculation about a future clash between the two compatriots. A fight between Inoue and Nakatani is now being touted as a potential candidate for the biggest boxing match in Japanese history. The stakes could not be higher: it would pit two of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, both possessing unblemished records, against each other. On the line would be the ultimate prize—Inoue's coveted 122-pound undisputed championship belts.
What a 2026 Mega-Fight Would Mean for Boxing
This potential matchup represents more than just a title fight; it is a legacy-defining event for Japanese sports. For fans in the Philippines and across the globe, it promises a technical masterclass between two offensive dynamos with immense power and precision. The boxing world is now eagerly awaiting official confirmation, which would solidify one of the most anticipated events of the 2026 sporting calendar.
With both fighters at the peak of their powers and holding identical undefeated records, the narrative writes itself. The road to a historic 2026 super-fight began in Riyadh, and its destination could be a legendary night for boxing in Japan and beyond.
