Astrolabio opponent Junto Nakatani 'a different breed', says boxing analyst

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino sang praises for Japanese pound-for-pound stud Junto Nakatani ahead of the latter's title defense against the hard-hitting Vincent Astrolabio on July 20 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

Nakatani, unbeaten as a boxer with a record of 27-0 with 20 knockouts, is a three-division champion and will defend his WBC world bantamweight title for the first time.

For Tolentino, Nakatani is only second to Naoya Inoue.

"Junto Nakatani is one of the best champions in Japan right now. The country of Japan has blossomed with many champions and one of them is Nakatani," Tolentino said in an episode of Sparring Sessions LIVE.

"We recognize Naoya Inoue as the best Japanese champion right now, but many people believe that the one right behind Inoue is Nakatani. He is the consensus choice as the no. 10 pound-for-pound in boxing."

Known for lanky stature, jab, and power in both hands, Nakatani won the WBC world title in his last outing when he stopped Alexandaro Santiago in round 6. Touted as a favorite over Astrolabio, Tolentino touted Nakatani as one of the elites in boxing today.

"Between 2020 and 2024 he won titles in three divisions. In just four years, three weight divisions. He is a different breed. He is one of the best fighters in Japan," Tolentino stated.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News