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Ring Ratings Update: Junto Nakatani Moves Up to 9th in P4P Rankings

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Junto Nakatani lands a body blow that crushes Vincent Astrolabio. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Junto Nakatani has caught the attention of die-hard boxing fans since he started in the flyweight division, but bantamweight looks set to be the best weight class yet for the 26-year-old three-division world titleholder.

Nakatani (28-0, 21 KO) quickly defended his first WBC 118-pound title, defeating experienced fighters Vincent’s Astrolabe body blow in the first round of the main event at the Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo on July 20.

The fight aired live on ESPN+ early in the morning in the U.S. The left-handed boxer is no stranger to the platform thanks to his Japanese promoter’s close working relationship with Top Rank, which announced an official co-promotional deal with Nakatani earlier this week.

The oldest promotion company in the U.S. and the sports network giant know a special talent when they see it. And Nakatani, who has trained in Southern California with veteran trainer Rudy Hernandez since he was a teenager, is a talent who can build a fan base in his native Japan and the U.S.

Nakatani’s impressive victories over Angel Acosta (in defense of the WBO flyweight title in September 2021) and Andrew Moloney (KO of the Year 2023 for the WBO 115-pound belt) took place in the USA and was broadcast on ESPN.

Nakatani broke Moloney down with a vicious uppercut. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

His last three fights – a defense of the WBO 115-pound title against Argi Cortes, a knockout in a fight for the WBC bantamweight title Alexandra Santiagoand the first round of Astrolabio – all were broadcast on “The Plus” channel in Japan.

Going forward, U.S. fans can expect to see Nakatani fight in America at least once a year. Wherever he fights, he will be presented as one of the best fighters, pound for pound, in the sport.

As a national level prospect who was just starting out at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Nakatani collected the scalps of two future world champions – Masamichi Yabuki (currently the sixth junior flyweight in The Ring rankings) and Seigo Yuri Akui (Current WBA flyweight title holder and #2 contender in The Ring).

In 2019 and 2020, he scored back-to-back knockouts of seasoned Filipino veterans Milan Melindo and Giemel Magramo – both ranked by The Ring at the time. Magramo’s victory earned Nakatani his first world title, the vacant WBO 112-pound belt, and he has defeated six Ring-ranked fighters in his seventh fight. Astrolabio (19-5, 14 KOs) entered the fight as a bantamweight contender ranked by The Ring as No. 7.

“Nakatani crushed his WBC mandatory challenger (Astrolabio) in the first round,” he said Anson Wainwright“Nakatani threw down the gauntlet to other bantamweight fighters and also gave a sign Naoya Inoue. Can’t wait.

“Move Nakatani overtook Errol Spence in the pound-for-pound rankings.

The Ring Classification Panel unanimously supported Wainwright’s suggestion.

Nakatani needed just one left punch to the midsection of Astrolabio to defend his 118-pound title. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

RING RATINGS UPDATE (as of July 20):

POUND FOR POUNDNakatani moves up to No. 9.

WELTERWEIGHTAlexis Rocha remains in ninth place, having defeated previously undefeated Santiago Dominguez on points in 10 rounds.

ROOSTER WEIGHT – Nakatani remains in 1st place. Astrolabio leaves. Seiya Tsutsumi (11-0-2, 8 KOs) comes in at number 10.

Wainwright suggested former flyweight titleholder Daigo Higa, who has been fighting at 118 pounds since 2020, to sign up with the number 10.

Jake Donovan Tsutsumi suggested.

Added Wasim Mather: “I don’t mind Higa coming in at No. 10 in the bantamweight division, but he’s faced a few Thai fighters recently who, while world-class, are past their prime, like Sirichai Thaiyen and Nawaphon (who lost to Astrolabio). He’s fighting for the WBO bantamweight title in September, so coming in at No. 10 seems about right to me. But is there anyone else we could consider?”

I also played with Tsutsumi,” he said. Wainwright“He and Higa fought to a (10-round) draw (in October 2020). I know what Wasim means when he says the Thais are past their prime, but Higa beat Nawaphon in four rounds, while Astrolabio went 11 rounds and it was not without controversy. So I thought it was a good tie-breaker.”

Added Daisuke Sugiura: “Tsutsumi or Higa is tough. Higa is still the bigger name, but I have nothing against Tsutsumi, who beat two great Japanese players: (Kazuki) Anaguchi and (Riku) Masuda last year.”

your favourite Editor in Chief agreed with Donovan’s suggestion.

JUNIOR BANNER WEIGHTJonathan Rodriguez leaves the rankings after failing to make the weight needed to fight for the title Kosei Tanaka by over six pounds (which prevented him from fighting and kept him from playing sports for over a year). KJ Kataraja (17-0, 13 KOs) comes in at number 10.

“There is no obvious candidate,” it was admitted Wainwright“so I’ll suggest Argi Cortes. He wasn’t up to the task, but he kept up with (Juan Francisco) Estrada and Nakatani.”

Donovan Cataraja suggested (which was also signed by Yours Truly).

I like KJ Cataraja,” he said. “There’s no powerful choice for 10, but I’m not a fan of judging guys based on losing in a competition without qualifying wins.”

HOUSEFLYAnthony Olascuaga enters at number 8 after defeating Riku Kano in three rounds to win the vacant WBO belt.

Anthony Olascuaga earned KO of the Year against Riku Kano. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Wainwright No. 10 was suggested. Adam Abramowitz No. 9 was suggested. Donovan a maximum of no. 7 was suggested.

JUNIOR WEIGHT FLYCarlos Canizales remains in 5th place after winning a 12-round majority decision over Ivan Balderas.

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Boxing

The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena

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Rocha vs Curiel

In a clash of forces between two world title contenders, NABO welterweight titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-0, 16 KO) will put his skills to the test against undefeated knockout and NABF welterweight titleholder Raul “El Cugar “. Curiel (15-0, 13 KO).

The 10-round main event will take place on Saturday, December 14, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“‘The best versus the best’ is Golden Boy’s mantra and that’s what fans will see as Rocha and Curiel take on everything that’s on the table,” said President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Rocha is a veteran whose goal is to win the world title, Curiel is an undefeated blue-chip prospect with huge potential. It’s really a 50/50 fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tickets for the Rocha vs. match Curiel will go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service fees. A confined number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboy.com or at the Toyota Arena box office from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00

“I’ve seen Raul Curiel all these years and he never once mentioned my name,” Alexis Rocha said. “After my last defeat, he suddenly became interested in fighting me. If he thinks I’ve lost a step or somehow had an simple fight, he’s in for a rude awakening. I can’t wait to make a statement and show the world what I’m capable of.”

Santa Ana, California Rep. Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a struggling family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at the age of 14 in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world by becoming a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made his professional debut in March 2016, defeating Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Since then, he has amassed an enviable record of powerful knockouts over top contenders and plans to return to world title contention, with his last fight being a victory over undefeated Santiago Dominguez on July 19 last year.

“The fans can expect a war,” said Raul Curiel. “I’m going to prepare well to put on a great show. This will be the most essential fight of my career so far. I know Alexis is a great fighter, a good opponent and will also show up prepared. My focus is on Alexis and if I can beat him, I know it will give me a chance to fight for the world championship.

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George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team

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George Kambosos beats Teofimo

Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.

Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.

The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.

Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.

The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.

“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.

“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.

“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”

Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.

“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].

Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.

“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.

Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.

“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.

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Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson comeback black

One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.

WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.

Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.

“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.

“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.

“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.

He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”

Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.

Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.

Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.

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