Home » Inoue vs Nakatani teaser excites fans at ‘The Ring V’ presser

Inoue vs Nakatani teaser excites fans at ‘The Ring V’ presser

A teaser showcasing Inoue vs. Nakatani thrilled boxing fans as the two Japanese stars took center stage at ‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ press conference.

Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani require no introduction, as both are set to face significant opponents in December 2025, before their highly anticipated fight in May 2026.

The two Japanese ring superstars were in Tokyo to promote their separate fights, both part of a major fight card scheduled for December 2025 in Saudi Arabia.

If Inoue and Nakatani win their December 2025 bouts, this sets up their anticipated clash in May 2026.

Fight fans will closely watch what each brings to the ring and what unfolds next.

Inoue vs Nakatani gathers momentum despite fighting separately in Saudi Arabia

The Inoue vs Nakatani hype train gained traction after the two fighters met in Tokyo to promote their respective fights for “The Ring V: Night of the Samurai” card.

Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) is set to stake his undisputed super bantamweight world titles against Alan Picasso of Mexico in the main event.

Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs), on the other hand, will make his super bantamweight debut against Sebastian Hernandez Reyes.

Several other top Japanese fighters are also scheduled to appear on the major boxing card organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.

All eyes will be on Inoue and Nakatani as they perform at the Mohammad Abdu Arena in Riyadh in December 2025, before their scheduled fight in May 2026.

‘Monster’ not looking past Picasso, ready for Nakatani

Inoue assured fight fans that he and his team are not looking past Picasso in his training.

Also known as ‘Monster,’ he expressed his readiness to adapt to his Mexican opponent’s style and then wear him down.

“I’m going to show you Picasso’s style; my style to adjust to Picasso,” Inoue said.

“My impression is he’s a very aggressive fighter, so it’s not going to be an easy fight, but I’ll do my best,” he added.

Inoue is aware of the buzz surrounding the Inoue vs Nakatani bout, but has prioritized focus.

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Nakatani admits feeling nervous about moving up in weight

Nakatani admitted to moments of uncertainty in his first fight at a new weight class.

The 27-year-old has held the WBC and IBF world bantamweight titles before vacating them to move up.

“I’m nervous, as this is my first fight since moving up,” Nakatani said as he prepares against Reyes (20-0)

‘I’ve gained muscular strength, so I want to test it. I want to witness my own growth,’ he added.

Nakatani is coming off a win over compatriot Ryosuke Nishida at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo on June 8, 2025.

Inoue, Nakatani pose for pictures together, adds to hype

Inoue and Nakatani further stoked the fans’ imagination after both agreed to pose for pictures and videos together during the press conference.

This gives fans a preview of the buildup to their May 2026 mega-fight.

Additionally, the two Japanese ring superstars sat side-by-side at the Mandarin Oriental while promoting their respective fights.

‘It will attract global attention and be a key match leading up to the big fight in May next year,’ Inoue said.

I will be going into it (Picasso fight) with full energy,” he added.

‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ is a culmination of Alalshikh’s resolve to laud Japanese fighters

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, welcomes Japanese fighters to his Riyadh Season card.

He affirmed his ‘deep respect’ for Japanese boxers like Inoue and Nakatani, noting that he has followed Japanese boxing ‘for years.’

The renowned promoter explained that ‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ also commemorates 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, established in 1955.

“This night will be a truly special occasion featuring a Japanese fighter in every bout against opponents from around the world,” Alalshikh said.

“We look forward to boxing fans from Japan and across the globe watching this unique night in Riyadh,” he added.

Inoue vs Nakatani: A retrospect

The Inoue vs Nakatani showdown awaits in May 2026, with both stars preparing to display their skills in separate December 2025 bouts for fans.

Promoters of ‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai,’ however, can hardly be faulted for using their press conference to spark anticipation for Inoue vs Nakatani in 2026.

The boxing card on December 27, 2025, serves as a prelude to Inoue vs Nakatani, set for May 2026.

An explosive performance by both fighters in December will go a long way not just for Japanese boxing but for Asian boxing in general.

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Experience the excitement as the journey to Inoue vs Nakatani promises to redefine boxing history for fans worldwide.