Junto Nakatani (right) knocks out Vincent Astrolabio with a body shot in the first round of his July 20 WBC bantamweight title defense in Tokyo. Photo credit: Naoki Fukuda
Junto Nakatani has benefitted from a years-long working relationship with Top Rank.
The Las Vegas-based promotional powerhouse is now along for the ride in an official capacity.
Teiken Promotions and M.T. Boxing Gym have entered a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank, all parties confirmed on Wednesday. The announcement came just four days after Nakatani (28-0, 21 knockouts) halted Vincent Astrolabio (19-6, 14 KOs) in the first round of their July 20 WBC bantamweight title fight in Tokyo.
“I want to thank Bob Arum and everyone at Top Rank,” Nakatani said of the move. “This is a significant moment in my career, and I want to continue giving boxing fans great fights.”
Top Rank has regularly showcased Nakatani’s career on ESPN+, including title fights spanning three weight divisions. The unbeaten 26-year-old from from Sagamihara, Japan is 7-0 in such bouts, with titles won at 112, 115 and 118 pounds.
Saturday’s win over Astrolabio was the second of 2024 for Nakatani, No. 1 at 118 by The Ring. He is currently No. 10 pound-for-pound but will advance to No. 9 in the next ratings update in the coming days.
The belief from all sides is that he will one day reside at the very top of that list.
“Junto Nakatani is an exceptional, unique talent,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He is a force of nature and one of the sport’s most vicious punchers.
“The Junto Nakatani Era is just starting. He will be the pound-for-pound king one day, and I am thrilled that he’s decided to join the Top Rank stable.”
Nakatani is the first officially announced Top Rank signing this week. It comes on the heels of the breaking news that Top Rank also signed Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) to a co-promotional deal. The Ring has learned that Munguia’s announcement is expected to come later this week.
Both signings come on the heels of Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) moving on to free agency. The three-division titlist has fought under the Top Rank banner since his 2017 pro debut. His departure from its roster has freed up the type of resources that allow for signings such as Nakatani and Munguia, with more to come.
News of Nakatani’s next fight is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.