Tenshin Naskukawa is already prepared to challenge for his first major title.
BoxingScene has confirmed that the former standout kickboxer and current bantamweight contender is in advanced talks with former 118lbs titlist Takuma Inoue. The proposed vacant WBC title fight is being discussed to take place this coming November in Tokyo.
The pairing was inevitable, as Nasukawa 7-0 (2 KOs), and Inoue, 20-2 (5 KOs), are ranked number one and number two at 118lbs by the WBC. Junto Nakatani is the current WBC and IBF titlist but plans to vacate both belts to campaign at 122lbs. The move will allow his two countrymen to compete with a major title at stake, rather than as a final eliminator.
Nasukawa figured to bid for a belt within his next fight or two. The 27-year-old southpaw is rated number one by both the WBC and WBA and number two by the WBO.
A bout with Inoue will mark his second this year against a former titlist. Nasukawa outpointed Jason Moloney – who previously held the WBO 118lbs title – on February 24 in Tokyo. He has since added a ten-round, unanimous decision over Victor Santillan on June 8, also in Tokyo.
Both bouts came in supporting capacity to Nakatani-headlined shows. A repeat occurrence could be in store for this bout, though no such plans were yet confirmed for Nakatani’s next fight at the time of this article. The two have appeared on the same show in four consecutive outings and five times overall, as both are promoted by Mr. Honda’s Teiken Promotions.
Inoue – who is with Ohashi Promotions along with older brother and four-division champion Naoya Inoue, 30-0 (27 KOs) – has not fought since his twelve-round, unanimous decision defeat to Seiya Tsutsumi last October 13 in Tokyo.
The setback marked the end of Inoue’s WBA 118lbs title reign, which began with an April 2023 unanimous decision win over Liborio Solis. That same show marked Nasukawa’s highly celebrated pro debut after a celebrated kickboxing career.
Two successful defenses followed for Inoue before he fell just short against Tsutsumi in their thriller last fall. Lingering injuries from that fight left Inoue idle for much of this year. He was forced to turn down an ordered title shot against current WBA 118lbs titlist Antonio Vargas as a result.
While talks between camps remain productive, the fight is not yet finalized. Once terms are reached, a formal announcement is expected before the end of September.
