Junto Nakatani to Defend WBC Title Against David Cuellar on February 24
Three thrilling bantamweight bouts are set to light up Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Monday, February 24, 2025, as Junto Nakatani defends his WBC title against unbeaten Mexican puncher David Cuellar. The card, which also features a WBA title fight and a special showcase, will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ for U.S. audiences.
Main Event: Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar
Junto Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs)
The Japanese sensation enters 2025 as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound stars. Nakatani enjoyed a dominant 2024, capturing the WBC bantamweight title with a stoppage of Alexandro Santiago and defending it with decisive wins over Vincent Astrolabio and Tasana Salapat.
Nakatani: “I’ve worked hard to reach the top, and I’ll prove why I’m the best bantamweight in the world on February 24.”
David Cuellar (28-0, 18 KOs)
The unbeaten Mexican contender makes his international debut in Tokyo. Known for his heavy hands, Cuellar is riding a wave of momentum with five consecutive wins at bantamweight, including a stoppage of former champion Luis Concepción.
Cuellar: “This is my chance to shock the world. I respect Nakatani, but I’m coming to take that belt back to Mexico.”
Co-Main Event: Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Daigo Higa
Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0-2, 8 KOs)
The newly crowned WBA bantamweight champion makes his first defense. Tsutsumi solidified his status with a decisive win over Takuma Inoue in October 2024.
Daigo Higa (21-3-1, 19 KOs)
The former WBC flyweight champion seeks redemption after narrowly losing to Yoshiki Takei last September. Higa and Tsutsumi share a history, having fought to a majority draw in 2020.
Tsutsumi: “This time, I’ll leave no doubt about who the better fighter is.”
Higa: “I’m coming for the win and my place back at the top of the division.”
Special Feature: Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Jason Moloney
Tenshin Nasukawa (5-0, 2 KOs)
The former kickboxing superstar continues his transition to boxing. Ranked in the top 10 by three sanctioning bodies, Tenshin impressed in 2024 with a trio of victories, including a title win for the WBO Asia Pacific belt.
Jason Moloney (27-3, 19 KOs)
The Australian former world champion is determined to bounce back after losing his WBO bantamweight title to Yoshiki Takei. Moloney nearly stopped Takei in their Tokyo Dome clash, proving he remains a dangerous contender.
Tenshin: “Fighting in Tokyo is special, and I’ll show why I’m a future world champion.”
Moloney: “I’ve come close before. This time, I’m finishing the job.”
Event Details
Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
Venue: Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan
Broadcast: Live on ESPN+ (Early Morning U.S. Time)
Tickets: Available via local outlets
Key Points
- Main Event: Junto Nakatani defends his WBC title against unbeaten David Cuellar.
- Co-Main Event: Seiya Tsutsumi faces Daigo Higa for the WBA bantamweight title.
- Special Feature: Tenshin Nasukawa takes on Jason Moloney in a high-stakes 10-rounder.
- Broadcast: Exclusively on ESPN+.
Breakdown
- Event: Bantamweight Bonanza
- Location: Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan
- Date/Time: February 24, 2025 | Live on ESPN+ (Early Morning U.S. Time)
- Main Fights:
- Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar (WBC Bantamweight Title)
- Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Daigo Higa (WBA Bantamweight Title)
- Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Jason Moloney (10-Round Special Feature)
- Tickets: Available locally
I disagree with the notion that Cuellar is a serious threat. Nakatani’s skill set and experience at the top level far outweigh Cuellar’s limited international exposure. This fight will likely reaffirm Nakatani’s status as the best bantamweight.
I am so excited for the upcoming bantamweight bouts! Junto Nakatani is an incredible fighter, and I can’t wait to see him defend his title against David Cuellar. This event promises to be thrilling, especially with other notable fights on the card!
While Nakatani has proven himself against tough competition, Cuellar’s unbeaten record and knockout power should not be underestimated. It’s naive to assume Nakatani will dominate this fight without acknowledging Cuellar’s potential to cause an upset.
The hype surrounding Nakatani is excessive. Cuellar’s international debut adds a layer of unpredictability that could surprise fans. It’s time for boxing to embrace new talent, and Cuellar might just be the one to dethrone Nakatani.
While Junto Nakatani has proven himself as a formidable champion, David Cuellar’s unbeaten record and recent performances cannot be overlooked. This fight could go either way, and it’s unfair to assume Nakatani will easily defend his title.
Another boxing match hype train? Really? It feels like every month there’s a new ‘thrilling’ fight card. Can we please get some fresh talent instead of the same old names? I’m just not convinced this will be as exciting as everyone claims.