Old lion versus young lion – the axiom is as old as boxing itself, and it relates perfectly to a potential showdown between legendary Japanese veteran Kazuto Ioka and his fast-rising countryman Junto Nakatani.
Both men reside in the super flyweight division and could be on a collision course. On June 24, Ioka will challenge WBA titleholder Joshua Franco in a rematch of their New Year’s Eve encounter that ended in a controversial majority draw. Meanwhile, Nakatani scored a spectacular one-punch knockout of Andrew Moloney to win the vacant WBO championship on May 20.
If Ioka were to defeat Franco on Saturday, then an all-Japanese unification showdown with Nakatani would be huge.
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The fight was actually supposed to happen this year, with Nakatani installed as the mandatory challenger for Ioka’s WBO belt. However, Ioka was determined to run things back with Franco, and relinquished his championship rather than fulfill that obligation. This left the door open for Nakatani to fight Moloney and claim a second divisional title.
Who is Kazuto Ioka?
Ioka, 34, was Japan’s first-ever male four-weight world champion (minimumweight, light flyweight, flyweight, and super flyweight).
The Tokyo-based star once held a spot on The Ring Magazine’s top-10 pound-for-pound list and his skills and accomplishments are globally respected. He is at the tail-end of his career but cannot be underestimated, either against Franco or anyone else at 115 pounds.
His current career record stands at 29-2-1 (15 KOs).
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Who is Junto Nakatani?
The 25-year-old Nakatani hasn’t even reached his full potential and he’s already regarded as one of the best fighters in the world.
In his 21st pro outing he scored a thumping eighth-round knockout over Giemel Magramo to lift the vacant WBO flyweight crown. Two defences followed before the inevitable jump to super flyweight.
He was forced to go the distance against former Ioka opponent Francisco Rodriguez Jr., but the power returned against Moloney.
Nakatani’s record is a formidable 25-0 (19 KOs).
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Who wins: Ioka vs. Nakatani?
For the most part, the young lion is too fresh, too agile, and too powerful for the older lion. And that would appear to be the case in this fight, even if Ioka does overcome Franco.
Nakatani is a power-punching destroyer and the “special” label is already being thrown around in earnest. Two weight divisions have been conquered and he has both the height and the wingspan to go higher.
Ioka has an enormous advantage in experience, but that’s a double-edged sword. Of his 32 pro fights, he has contested 23 world title bouts across four-weight divisions. While that’s an incredible statistic, one must factor in the wear and tear the ex-champ has accrued in a 14-year professional career.
In recent fights, Ioka appears to have slipped. Since blasting out countryman Kosei Tanaka (TKO 8) in December 2020, the Tokyo-based star has gone the distance in four consecutive fights. He was pushed hard by Francisco Rodriguez (UD 12), barely extended by inexperienced rookie Ryoji Fukunaga (UD 12), lethargic in a revenge mission against an ancient Donnie Nietes (UD 12), and lucky to get the draw against Franco.
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Conversely, Nakatani has gone from strength to strength as he’s climbed through the levels. Moloney had never been stopped in a 28-fight career and was knocked out cold. The Australian was off his feet three times in that bout and displayed soldier-like courage to make it into the final round.
Boxing is about timing – in the ring and outside of it. While Ioka vs. Nakatani would be a brilliant event, it’s a fight that could end a great career on a very sour note.
If you’re Ioka’s brain trust, you keep him far away from Junto Nakatani.