There was plenty of action at the event organized by Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Promotions at the Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku, Tokyo, featuring two world title fights in the super bantamweight division. In the main event, the phenomenal Junto Nakatani successfully defended his WBC belt against unbeaten Mexican challenger David Cuellar, demolishing him in just three rounds. Earlier in the night, Seiya Tsutsumi barely retained his WBA title after an all-out war with fellow countryman Daigo Higa, which ended in a draw.
Nakatani showed no particular concern for his 23-year-old challenger. Right from the start, the Japanese star unleashed his punches with full power, constantly searching for an opening to land something significant.
Aware of the champion’s extreme danger, Cuellar remained cautious behind his guard during the first two rounds, failing to take advantage of the openings Nakatani left him. However, when the Mexican finally decided to be more aggressive, it led to his downfall.
During a fierce exchange, Nakatani landed a devastating combination, mixing body and head shots before flooring his stunned opponent with a brutal left hand to the head. Cuellar bravely got back up, trying to continue the fight, but he was quickly sent down again for the final count.
Seiya Tsutsumi and Daigo Higa had unfinished business, having fought to a draw in a 10-round bout back in 2020. As expected, they did not hold back, engaging in a brutal war at the center of the ring.
Tsutsumi had to deal with a nasty cut over his right eye from an accidental head clash in the fourth round and seemed on the verge of defeat in the ninth when Higa dropped him with a stunning left hook. However, the champion quickly responded, scoring a knockdown of his own and making the round a strong contender for Round of the Year.
In the final three rounds, Tsutsumi had more left in the tank, finishing the fight strong and giving a clear impression that he deserved the victory. However, the judges unanimously scored it 114-114, a somewhat puzzling decision but one that at least allowed the champion to hold onto his crown.