Shun Totsuka is set for a world preliminary bout at Korakuen Hall on July 14, saying he wants to put pressure on the four-belt world champions. His world challenge scheduled for last December was cancelled due to an injury.
The highly anticipated showdown between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani on May 2 at Tokyo Dome has drawn widespread attention. Japanese super bantamweight champions are predicting a Inoue advantage, but some believe Nakatani can only win by knockout. Analysts compare the two fighters on charts, noting Inoue’s overall superiority but Nakatani’s high boxing IQ. Meanwhile, a separate face-off between Takuma Inoue and Kazuto Ioka also sparks debate on whether the reigning champion will defend his title or the veteran will claim a fifth-division crown.
Former Japanese champion Keisuke Matsumoto made his return to the ring after a 1 year and 7-month absence, stating he is fighting for his growing child. He enters the first round of a tournament with a 10 million yen prize.
Ohashi Gym president commented on the rise of a deep boxing scene, noting that world-ranked No. 5 Shun Totsuka and other fighters from the Seisei Gym are now fully participating in the Phoenix Battle series.
In a Japanese super bantamweight title defense, champion Jun Ikezawa declared he won’t lose, while challenger Kenshin Oshima said the winner is the one with justice on his side.
Amateur 13-time champion Shun Totsuka will fight a world preliminary on July 14, aiming to pressure the four-division world champions after being forced to withdraw from a world title fight last December due to injury.