Junto Nakatani (proper) knocks out Vincent Astrolabio with a physique shot within the first spherical of his July 20 WBC bantamweight title protection in Tokyo. Picture credit score: Naoki Fukuda
Junto Nakatani has benefitted from a years-long working relationship with Prime Rank.
The Las Vegas-based promotional powerhouse is now alongside for the journey in an official capability.
Teiken Promotions and M.T. Boxing Fitness center have entered a co-promotional settlement with Prime Rank, all events confirmed on Wednesday. The announcement got here simply 4 days after Nakatani (28-0, 21 knockouts) halted Vincent Astrolabio (19-6, 14 KOs) within the first spherical of their July 20 WBC bantamweight title combat in Tokyo.
“I need to thank Bob Arum and everybody at Prime Rank,” Nakatani stated of the transfer. “It is a important second in my profession, and I need to proceed giving boxing followers nice fights.”
Prime Rank has usually showcased Nakatani’s profession on ESPN+, together with title fights spanning three weight divisions. The unbeaten 26-year-old from from Sagamihara, Japan is 7-0 in such bouts, with titles received at 112, 115 and 118 kilos.
Saturday’s win over Astrolabio was the second of 2024 for Nakatani, No. 1 at 118 by The Ring. He’s presently No. 10 pound-for-pound however will advance to No. 9 within the subsequent rankings replace within the coming days.
The assumption from all sides is that he’ll sooner or later reside on the very prime of that checklist.
“Junto Nakatani is an distinctive, distinctive expertise,” stated Prime Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He’s a pressure of nature and one of many sport’s most vicious punchers.
“The Junto Nakatani Period is simply beginning. He would be the pound-for-pound king sooner or later, and I’m thrilled that he’s determined to affix the Prime Rank steady.”
Nakatani is the primary formally introduced Prime Rank signing this week. It comes on the heels of the breaking information that Prime Rank additionally signed Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) to a co-promotional deal. The Ring has realized that Munguia’s announcement is anticipated to come back later this week.
Each signings come on the heels of Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) transferring on to free company. The three-division titlist has fought underneath the Prime Rank banner since his 2017 professional debut. His departure from its roster has freed up the kind of assets that enable for signings similar to Nakatani and Munguia, with extra to come back.
Information of Nakatani’s subsequent combat is anticipated to be revealed within the coming weeks.
Comply with @JakeNDaBox
