The next generation of the bantamweight division is officially underway.
Unbeaten contender Tenshin Nasukawa and former titleholder Takuma Inoue are set to meet for the vacant WBC 118lbs title, Teiken Promotions confirmed on Thursday (local time). Prime Video Japan will air their bout live atop a November 24 show from Toyota Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The bout was formally announced during a press conference held Thursday in Tokyo.
"Tenshin Nasukawa will finally challenge for the WBC championship belt on Prime Video Boxing 14. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported him through his seven previous bouts on Prime Video Boxing," Tsuyoshi Hamada, representative of Teiken Gym, told BoxingScene and other outlets in a provided statement to the media. “However, winning the belt will not come easily. Takuma Inoue, making his return to the ring in this title bout, is entering with tremendous determination.
“In any case, there is no doubt this will be a world-class battle at the very highest level. We invite you to experience the full excitement and appeal of boxing on Prime Video Boxing 14."
Further details for the event such as the undercard or U.S. streaming rights were not yet made available as this goes to publication.
The winner will claim the title left behind by now former three-division champ Junto Nakatani, 31-0 (24 KOs), who is set to campaign in the 122lbs division.
As previously reported by BoxingScene, the pair of Japanese contenders were already in talks for this very matchup. WBC officials did their part by formally ordering the fight once Nakatani officially vacated the belt (along with the IBF title), though a deal was all but in place by that point.
Nasukawa, 7-0 (2 KOs), will enter his first major title fight, while sticking to an earlier career plan to move along at breakneck speed.
The former standout kickboxer hit the ground running in the pro boxing ranks since his April 2023 debut. All seven of his bouts have been carried locally by Prime Video Japan.
“We are honored to announce that Prime Video will be exclusively broadcasting Tenshin Nasukawa's first world title challenge on Prime Video Boxing 14, having followed his journey from his professional boxing debut,” stated Yosuke Ishibashi, head of content for Prime Video Japan. “Reaching this stage is truly moving, and we are continually impressed by the remarkable growth he has shown. At the same time, Takuma Inoue has also delivered numerous thrilling bouts on Prime Video Boxing, captivating fans and showcasing the true appeal of boxing as a distinguished champion.
“The upcoming clash between these two fighters raises great anticipation—what kind of bout it will be and how it will conclude is something we can’t wait to witness. In addition, we are preparing to present other exciting matchups on the card. We hope you will look forward to Prime Video Boxing 14."
Nasukawa has been ambitiously matched over the course of the past year. The proof of his rapid ascension was shown in decision wins over former WBO titleholder Jason Moloney in January and Dominican Republic’s Victor Santillan this past June 8 in Tokyo.
Both bouts came in supporting capacity to Nakatani-headlined shows, though Nasukawa will serve as the main attraction this time around.
Inoue, 20-2 (5 KOs), also previously considered a path to challenge for the vacant IBF belt, where he is the second highest rated contender behind Mexico’s Jose Salas.
In the end, it was decided that Inoue – whose older brother is four-division champion Naoya Inoue, 30-0 (27 KOs) – would face his countryman in what should be a big event in Japan.
The younger Inoue was the first benefactor of his older brother’s defection to the 122lbs division in 2023. Naoya Inoue vacated all four major 118lbs titles, with the WBA belt made available for Takuma who claimed it in an April 2023 unanimous decision win over Liborio Solis.
Fittingly to this fight, the event also featured Nasukawa’s pro boxing debut after a celebrated kickboxing career.
Inoue lodged two successful defenses of the WBA strap before his reign ended in a narrow defeat to Seiya Tsutsumi in their thriller last October 13 in Tokyo.
Tsutsumi was since downgraded to “Champion in Recess” while Antonio Vargas was elevated to full titlist from his prior interim status. Inoue was in the running for Vargas’ first title defense but was forced to turn down the opportunity due to lingering injuries that didn’t heal in time.
This fight will mark the first for Inoue since his defeat to Tsutsumi.
U.S. streaming rights were not yet revealed as this goes to publication.
