Inoue-Nakatani fight highlights boxing's surging popularity in Japan

On May 2, 2026, in an event dubbed 'The Day,' undisputed super-bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) will face undefeated contender Junto 'Big Bang' Nakatani (32-0, 24 KOs) in what is being described as the biggest occasion in Japanese boxing history. Both fighters enter the bout undefeated, with Nakatani seen by some as a genuine threat to Inoue's unbeaten record. The fight is highlighting a surge in boxing's popularity in Japan.