On Saturday in Tokyo, Junto Nakatani secured a sixth-round TKO triumph over Alexandro Santiago to clinch the WBC bantamweight championship, marking his third division title. The 26-year-old Japanese boxer, with an impressive record of 27-0 and 20 knockouts, dominated the bout from start to finish.
Nakatani's victory came in the sixth round when he sent Santiago to the canvas with a powerful straight left punch, followed by a decisive right hook that prompted Santiago's corner to stop the fight at 1 minute and 12 seconds into the round. Nakatani showcased his prowess by winning every round on all three scorecards.
Standing at 5-foot-8 with a 67-inch reach, Nakatani enjoyed a significant height and reach advantage over his opponent, allowing him to effectively control the fight from the outside. His active southpaw jab and precise left hands kept Santiago at bay, causing visible damage around the Mexican champion's eyes.
Santiago, coming off a notable victory over Nonito Donaire in his previous fight, was unable to mount a successful offense against Nakatani. Despite his efforts to close the distance, Nakatani's strategic jabs and uppercuts thwarted Santiago's attacks throughout the match.
Nakatani's rapid ascent in the boxing world was further solidified by his previous accomplishments, including a knockout win over Andrew Moloney for the WBO title at 115 pounds. His exceptional performance in the ring has garnered widespread recognition, with his victory over Moloney being named ESPN's KO of the Year.
With this latest triumph, Nakatani has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division. His future fights are eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike, as he continues to showcase his skill and determination on the world stage.
