The most anticipated fight of the year? Inoue and Nakatani will determine the absolute champion

In May 2026, one of the most anticipated fights in boxing will take place – the title of absolute world champion in the weight category up to 55.3 kg will be played by the undefeated representatives of Japan Naoya Inoue (31–0, 27 KOs) and Junto Nakatani (31–0, 24).

Both boxers are expected to defeat their opponents on December 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Inoue will enter the ring against Mexican Alan David Picasso (32–0–1, 17 KOs), and Nakatani will face another representative of Mexico, Sebastian Hernandez (20–0, 18 KOs).

If there are no sensations and force majeure, then the fight for four titles will be held at the “Tokyo Dome” arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Naoya is in third place in the ranking of the strongest boxers of our time, Nakatani is in seventh position. Junto moved up to his compatriot’s division and left his belts vacant to fight “The Monster” for the absolute title.

‼️Naoya Inoue is set to defend his undisputed junior featherweight titles against Junto Nakatani in May at the Tokyo Dome.

Who wins that fight?🔥 pic.twitter.com/qx3pBStMcg

— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) December 3, 2025

Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani have been on a 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 in their careers 🥊

If both are victorious on December 27th, it sets the stage for what could be the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history in 2026 🇯🇵

Who do you favor in this potential super-fight? pic.twitter.com/2acbo9lIA5

— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) December 2, 2025