Junto Nakatani Moves Up in Weight

Former Japanese world champion Junto Nakatani will take a major step in his career by debuting in the super bantamweight division on December 27 at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, where he will face undefeated Mexican knockout artist Sebastián Hernández Reyes.

At 26 years old, Nakatani left his mark in the bantamweight division, where he became world champion and successfully defended his title before vacating it. His decision to give up the belt was not accidental: the Japanese fighter aims to establish himself in a more competitive division and, above all, pave the way for a potential showdown with his compatriot and current boxing superstar, Naoya Inoue.

His super bantamweight debut will not be an easy task. He faces Hernández Reyes, a young Mexican with an undefeated record and a high knockout ratio, making him a dangerous, capable and motivated opponent.

The bout promises to be an immediate trial by fire to determine if Nakatani can maintain his dominance at a higher weight.

The fight in Riyadh will attract attention not only in Japan and Mexico but also from international fans who see Nakatani as one of the rising stars with the potential to break into the super bantamweight elite and eventually headline a mega-fight against Inoue.