Junto Nakatanihas been turning the heads of hardcore boxing aficionados since he campaigned at flyweight, but bantamweight looks to be the best weight class yet for the 26-year-old three-division world titleholder.

Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs) made the first defense of his WBC 118-pound title a quick outing by blasting battle-testedVicente Astrolabiowith a body shot in the opening roundof their main event at the Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo on July 20.

The bout was streamed live on ESPN+ in the early morning hours in the U.S. The southpaw boxer-puncher is no stranger to the platform thanks to a close relationship between his Japanese promoter and Top Rank, whichannounced an official co-promotionalagreement with Nakatani earlier this week.

The oldest promotional company in the U.S. and the sports network giant recognize a special talent when they see it. And Nakatani, who has trained in Southern California with veteran coach Rudy Hernandez since he was a teenager, is a talent that can build fan bases in his native Japan and in the U.S.

Nakatani’s impressive victories against Angel Acosta (in defense of his WBO flyweight belt in September 2021) andAndrew Moloney(the 2023 KO of the Year for the WBO 115-pound strap) took place in the U.S. and were televised on ESPN.

Nakatani gruadually broke down Moloney with vicious uppercuts. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

His last three bouts – a WBO 115-pound title defense against Argi Cortes, WBC bantamweight belt-winning KO ofAlexandro Santiago, and the first-round blitz of Astrolabio – were all streamed on “The Plus” from Japan.

Going forward, U.S. fans can expect to see Nakatani fight in America at least once a year. Wherever he fights, he’ll be introduced as one of the best fighters, pound for pound, in the sport.

As a domestic-level prospect coming up on the Korakuen Hall circuit in Tokyo, Nakatani collected the scalps of two future world titleholders –Masamichi Yabuki(currently The Ring’s No. 6-rated junior flyweight) andSeigo Yuri Akui(the current WBA flyweight beltholder and The Ring’s No. 2 contender).

He scored back-to-back stoppages of seasoned Filipino veterans Milan Melindo and Giemel Magramo – both Ring-rated at the time – in 2019 and 2020. The Magramo victory earned Nakatani his first world title, the vacant WBO 112-pound belt, and he’s defeated six Ring-rated fighters in seven subsequent bouts. Astrolabio (19-5, 14 KOs) entered their bout as The Ring’s No. 7-rated bantamweight.

“Nakatani smashed his WBC mandatory challenger (Astrolabio) in the opening round,” saidAnson Wainwright. “Nakatani threw down the gauntlet to the other bantamweights and also a nod toNaoya Inoue. I can't wait.

“MoveNakatani above Errol Spence in the pound-for-pound rankings.”

The Ring Ratings Panel unanimously agreed with Wainwright’s suggestion.

Nakatani only needed a single left to Astrolabio's stomach to defend his 118-pound title. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

RING RATINGS UPDATE (as of July 20):

POUND-FOR-POUND–Nakatani advances to No. 9.

WELTERWEIGHT–Alexis Rocharemains at No. 9 after outpointing previously unbeaten Santiago Dominguez over 10 rounds.

BANTAMWEIGHT– Nakatani remains at No. 1. Astrolabio exits.Seiya Tsutsumi(11-0-2, 8 KOs) enters at No. 10.

Wainwrightsuggested former flyweight beltholder Daigo Higa, who has campaigned at 118 pounds since 2020, to enter at No. 10.

Jake Donovansuggested Tsutsumi.

AddedWasim Mather: “I don't mind Higa coming in at No. 10 at bantamweight, but recently he's faced some Thai opponents who, while world-ranked, are past their primes – like Sirichai Thaiyen and Nawaphon (who lost to Astrolabio). He's fighting for the WBO bantamweight title in September, so bringing him in at No. 10 seems fine to me. However, is there anyone else we can consider?”

“I also toyed with Tsutsumi,” saidWainwright. “He and Higa fought to a (10-round) draw (in October 2020). I know what Wasim means about the Thais being past their best but Higa took Nawaphon out in four, while Astrolabio went 11 and it wasn't without controversy. So I thought that was a good tie-breaker.”

AddedDaisukeSugiura: “Tsutsumi or Higa is difficult. Higa is still a bigger name but I'm also OK with Tsutsumi, who beat two qualityJapanese fighters in (Kazuki) Anaguchi and (Riku) Masuda last year.”

Your favoriteEditor-In-Chiefagreed with Donovan’s suggestion.

JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT–Jonathan Rodriguezexits the rankings after failing to make weight for his title shot atKosei Tanakaby more than six pounds (thus nixing the fight and leaving him inactive for more than a year).KJ Cataraja(17-0, 13 KOs) enters at No. 10.

“No obvious candidate,” admittedWainwright, “so I'll suggest Argi Cortes. He's come up short but hung with (Juan Francisco) Estrada and Nakatani.”

Donovansuggested Cataraja (which was co-signed by Yours Truly).

“I like KJ Cataraja,” he said. “No real strong choice for 10 but I’m not a fan of ranking guys off of a competitive loss without qualifying wins.”

FLYWEIGHT–Anthony Olascuagaenters at No. 8 after blasting Riku Kano in three rounds for the vacant WBO belt.

Anthony Olascuaga scored KO of the Year candidate vs. Riku Kano. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Wainwrightsuggested No. 10.Adam Abramowitzsuggested No. 9.Donovansuggested as high as No. 7.

JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT–Carlos Canizalesremains at No. 5 following a 12-round majority decision over Ivan Balderas.