Junto Nakatani showcased his dominance in the bantamweight division with a stunning first-round knockout victory over Vincent Astrolabio in defense of his WBC world title. The fight, held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena in Tokyo, Japan, saw Nakatani improve his record to 28-0 with 21 knockouts.
Nakatani, hailing from Kanagawa, Japan, has been on a remarkable run, winning nine of his last 11 fights by stoppage. His latest triumph came via a precise body shot that left Astrolabio unable to beat the count, solidifying Nakatani's reputation as a formidable force in the ring.
Having previously claimed titles in multiple weight classes, Nakatani expressed his desire to unify the bantamweight division, setting his sights on potential matchups with fellow champions Yoshiki Takei, Ryosuke Nishida, and Takuma Inoue. Additionally, a showdown with Naoya Inoue, the undisputed world junior featherweight champion, presents an enticing prospect for fans.
Anthony Olascuaga Secures WBO Flyweight Title
In a remarkable upset, Anthony Olascuaga captured the vacant WBO world flyweight title by delivering a devastating knockout blow to Riku Kano. The 25-year-old American's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as he claimed his first world championship in just his seventh professional bout.
Olascuaga's strategic combination of punches, culminating in a precise left uppercut, proved too much for Kano to handle, leading to a decisive victory on foreign soil. The newly crowned champion expressed his elation at achieving his dream of becoming a world titleholder and emphasized his commitment to further honing his skills in the ring.
With his training under the guidance of renowned coach Rudy Hernandez, Olascuaga's triumph serves as a testament to his dedication and perseverance in the sport. His future aspirations include establishing himself as a standout fighter in the flyweight division and continuing to pursue excellence in his craft.
Other Highlights from the Fight Night
Elsewhere on the card, Tenshin Nasukawa, known for his exhibition bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr., showcased his skills in a non-title junior featherweight bout against Jonathan Rodriguez. Nasukawa's impressive performance underscored his potential in the ring, while Rodriguez faced a tough challenge against the dynamic fighter.
Although Kosei Tanaka's scheduled defense was canceled due to his opponent's failure to make weight, the event provided a platform for emerging talents and established champions to shine, captivating audiences with electrifying displays of skill and determination.
