The much-anticipated WBC Bantamweight Fight between Junto Nakatani and David Cuellar took center stage at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on February 24, 2025. Japanese star Nakatani, with an impressive 29-0 record, defended his title against the undefeated Cuellar, who boasts 28 fights under his belt with 18 knockouts. The event marked a significant moment for Cuellar as he stepped outside Mexico for the first time to face the three-weight champion Nakatani.
Nakatani, at 27 years old, was eager to showcase his skills in front of a roaring crowd at the venue that witnessed some of Naoya Inoue’s greatest performances. The possibility of an all-Japanese super-fight between Nakatani and the double undisputed champion Inoue loomed in the air, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Champion Tsutsumi’s Dramatic Draw with Higa
In another thrilling matchup, Seiya Tsutsumi managed to retain his WBA bantamweight title after a dramatic draw with Daigo Higa. Tsutsumi, holding a record of 12-0-3 with 8 KOs, faced off against Higa in a rematch that ended in a controversial split decision. The fight was not short on action, with Tsutsumi battling through a severe cut from a head clash in the fourth round and a knockdown from a brutal left hook in the ninth.
The championship rounds saw Tsutsumi pushing the pace, while Higa struggled to regain his footing after being floored by a powerful right to the jaw. With all three judges scoring the contest 114-114, the bout ended in a draw, leaving both fighters hungry for another shot at victory.
Nasukawa Looks to Continue Momentum Against Moloney
On the undercard, former kickboxing champion Tenshin Nasukawa aimed to further establish himself in the boxing world as he took on Australia’s Jason Moloney. Nasukawa, transitioning from kickboxing to boxing, sought to capitalize on his rapid progress and test his skills against a seasoned former WBO bantamweight champion.
The event featured a stacked lineup of fights, including Ryuya Moriai’s victory over Eigoro Akai in the super middleweights division, Ryosuke Kiuchi’s win against Fuentes Kitajima in the lightweights category, and Hayato Aiko’s triumph over Yuki Sato in the featherweights division. The crowd was treated to an action-packed night of boxing, with each match delivering its own set of thrills and surprises.
Where to watch Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar
Fight fans in the US could catch all the action from the Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar bout live on ESPN+. Subscribers could tune in to the fight for $11.99 on a monthly basis or $119.99 annually. UK viewers could enjoy the fight on Sky Sports as part of their monthly subscription to the pay-TV service.
Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar start time
The main card for the Nakatani vs. Cuellar fight kicked off at 4 a.m. ET, with the main event expected to start around 6:30 a.m. ET. The fighters were set to make their way to the ring in the early hours of the morning, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown between the two bantamweight contenders.
As the night unfolded at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, the energy in the air was palpable, with each fight adding to the anticipation of the main event. From the undercard matchups to the championship bouts, the event showcased the skill, heart, and determination of each fighter as they vied for victory in the ring. The WBC Bantamweight Fight between Nakatani and Cuellar was just the tip of the iceberg in a night filled with unforgettable moments and electrifying performances.
