Junto Nakatani-Vincent Astrolabio: Stats and Stakes
Previewing the bantamweight showdown
He’s not the best fighter in the world at the moment.
He might be the best positioned.
Saturday in Japan (ESPN+, 5 AM EST), three-division titlist and reigning bantamweight belt holder Junto Nakatani will attempt his first defense in his latest division. It would be impossible for him not to have an eye on the future.
Nakatani has proven to be one of the contemporary elite below featherweight. Five of his last six wins have come against fighters ranked in the top ten of their division by TBRB or Ring Magazine. He handed Andrew Moloney and Alexandro Santiago their first knockout losses.
There is another level to aspire to; a pair of potential mega-fights to explore. Three pounds below him there is newly minted lineal junior bantamweight king “Bam” Rodriguez. Four pounds above him, Nakatani’s countryman Naoya Inoue looms as the undisputed junior featherweight king.
Beating either man would get Nakatani into the conversation with the rarest of air in the pound-for-pound race. Beat them both?
Sky’s the limit.
Enter the challenger this weekend. Vincent Astrolabio narrowly lost his last title opportunity, a chance at Jason Moloney in 2023. He has a win over Guillermo Rigondeaux. Can he shatter the hopes of one of Japan’s rising stars?
Let’s get into it.
Stats and Stakes
Junto Nakatani
Age: 26
Current Titles: WBC Bantamweight (2024-Present, 0 Defenses)
Previous Titles: WBO Flyweight (2020-22, 2 Defenses); WBO Super Flyweight (2023, 1 Defense)
Height: 5’7 ½
Weight: 117 ¼ lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Sagamihara, Kanegawa, Japan
Record: 27-0, 20 KO
Press Rankings: #1 (Ring, ESPN, BoxRec), #2 (TBRB)
Record in Major Title Fights: 6-0, 5 KO
Last Five Opponents: 122-14-8 (.875)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Milan Melindo TKO6; Angelo Acosta TKO4; Ryota Yamauchi TKO8; Francisco Rodriguez Jr. UD10; Andrew Moloney KO12; Alexandro Santiago TKO6
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None
Vs.
Vincent Astrolabio
Age: 27
Current Title/Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’5
Weight: 117 ½ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines
Record: 19-4, 14 KO, 1 KOBY
Press Rankings: #6 (ESPN), #7 (TBRB, Ring)
Record in Major Title Fights: 0-1
Last Five Opponents: 132-12-2 (.911)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Guillermo Rigondeaux UD10; Jason Moloney L12
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None
The Pick: Astrolabio has quick hands, attacks the body well, throws his straight right with authority, and knows how to mask a sneaky left hook. All of those assets have made him a tough out in recent years. However, he’s hittable and sometimes can be repetitive in his approach. Against Nakatani, he gives up a couple inches in both reach and height and that extra range could make him a target when he comes forward.
Nakatani, despite recently moving up in weight, is taller and longer than a typical bantamweight. He’s growing into the divisions where his frame belongs and will likely be the heavier man in the ring. From southpaw angles, he presents a sharp, stinging jab that comes down at opponents to keep them honest. He’s carrying power up the scale and delivers combinations from places opponents don’t see coming. His straight left is nasty work and he also throws it as a snapping uppercut.
Against Astrolabio, the physical advantages of Nakatani should be complimented by a deeper skill set and more educated offense. Astrolabe’s aggression makes him a perfect foil to increase the hype for Nakatani and get him closer to the big fights that are possible. The pick is Nakatani by stoppage.
Rold Picks 2024: 22-12