Fighters Weekly is bringing its main event predictions for Saturday’s undisputed super-bantamweight title matchup between champion Naoya Inoue and challenger Junto Nakatani.
Journalists Steve Wellings, (www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wellings/) Alex Springer (@alexspringer_1) and Shaun Brown (@shaunrbrown) are here to give fans their official pick for the main event.
Preview their picks below, and compare with your own in the comments.
Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani prediction
Steve: I’m playing it safe and picking Inoue. His attitude in the build-up suggests he’s pumped up for the fight (which hasn’t always been the case in recent outings) and wants to send out a message that he’s the top dog at the weight and in Japan.
Nakatani struggled in his last contest, but his opponent was tougher than expected, forcing Nakatani to adjust on the fly and win “ugly”.
Inoue will stamp his authority on this fight early, setting the tone behind his jab and left hook.
Nakatani is a quality fighter and will have moments of success, especially with the right hook, I imagine.
However, Inoue enhances his credentials even further as a generational master, winning on points.
(Pick: Inoue on points)
Alex: Speed, experience at the weight and can box numerous ways, Inoue has the advantages. It’s hard to pick against him. But I’m going for the younger Nakatani.
He didn’t look great in his most recent fight, but he had to dig in, and will most definitely have to again. I’m backing Nakatani’s long, awkward southpaw jab to keep Inoue at bay as much as he can, and use his timing to produce eye catching shots, before it inevitably turns into a shootout.
(Pick: Nakatani on points.)
Shaun: I’ve never picked against Inoue and it’s going to take someone as special as him to end the phenom’s streak.
Nakatani is a very, very good fighter and his performance last time out will worry his fans and those hoping for a competitive fight. An event and matchup of this magnitude should see Nakatani rise to the occasion and he certainly has the rangy tools and power to cause Inoue problems.
But Inoue is a master of identifying weaknesses and early on I think he’ll look to test Nakatani. Taking risks against his compatriot would be foolish, however. I believe this fight will also bring out the very best in the champ. His speed and power will overwhelm Nakatani late on but it should be a fun fight while it lasts.
(Pick: Inoue late stoppage.)
Verdict: Inoue 2-1 Nakatani
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