Junto Nakatani further solidified his status as one of boxing’s premier pound-for-pound fighters by decisively defeating Petch Sor Chitpattana within six rounds. The seasoned three-weight world champion showcased his dominance early on against the resilient Thai boxer, who had never been stopped prior to this bout. Nakatani aimed for his third consecutive stoppage victory, ramping up the pressure as the fight progressed.
Chitpattana faced a significant challenge as he experienced his first-ever knockdown midway through the sixth round, managing to recover well. However, with only a second remaining in the round, a powerful left hand from Nakatani brought him down again. Referee Laurence Cole immediately stopped the contest without issuing a count.
With this win, WBC bantamweight champion Nakatani improved his record to an impressive 29-0, with 22 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Notably, all three of his fights at the 118-pound weight class have ended in stoppage.
In December 2018, Chitpattana’s previous encounter in Japan saw him lose by decision to Takuma Inoue while competing for the WBC interim bantamweight title. That match remains the sole defeat in his 77-fight career to date. Since then, Chitpattana has achieved an impressive 28 wins, earning the opportunity to challenge Nakatani for the full title.
This match marked the second defense of the title that Nakatani originally claimed through a sixth-round knockout of Alexandro Santiago in February. He showcased his quick finishing ability in July, when he disposed of Vincent Astrolabio in just 147 seconds. However, this fight required a more sustained effort, although he consistently hurt Chitpattana from the outset and showed little concern for his opponent’s counters.
Nakatani made a significant breakthrough in the sixth round, landing a relentless combination that began with a left hook. Although Chitpattana managed to get up and beat the count, Nakatani quickly capitalized on his momentum, maintaining the pressure. The Thai challenger fought back valiantly but appeared to be on the ropes as the round progressed.
Ultimately, Nakatani’s lethal finishing ability shone through as he unleashed another devastating left hand, sending Chitpattana crashing to the canvas face first. Referee Cole promptly waved off the contest, recording an official time of 2:59 in the final round.
Key Takeaways:
- Junto Nakatani solidified his reputation with a sixth-round stoppage over Petch Sor Chitpattana.
- Nakatani’s record stands at 29-0 with 22 KOs, with all his bantamweight bouts ending in stoppage.
- Chitpattana had previously only lost once in 77 fights, showcasing his resilience but ultimately succumbing to Nakatani’s power.
This thrilling performance not only emphasizes Nakatani’s prowess as a champion, but it also highlights the growing intensity within the bantamweight division. As he continues to build on his undefeated streak, boxing fans eagerly await his next matchup.
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