In recent times, the bantamweight division has been dominated by Japanese fighters.

Pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue became Ring/undisputed champion, and after he moved up in weight and the titles became fragmented only to be subsequently collected by Japanese fighters.

The class has been dubbed Japantamweight.

In fact, the top seven ranked fighters per The Ring ratings are Japanese, who have a stranglehold on the division.

On Sunday, WBC titlist and rising pound-for-pound force Junto Nakatani and IBF ruler Ryosuke Nishida will meet and contest their titles as well as the vacant Ring championship at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo.

"I'm really looking forward to fighting against the strongest player in this weight class," Nishida told The Ring. "It's an exciting opportunity.

"I think he is a very strong fighter who is amongst the pound-for-pound best. He can fight at any distance and is strong, but I think his greatest strength is his attacking power."

However, the tall southpaw believes he can present Nakatani with a set of his own problems.

"I think that taking a measured and tactical approach against Nakatani is the way to result in a victory for me," he said.

In February, Nishida, rated at No. 2 by The Ring at bantamweight, greeted Nakatani in the ring after the later impressively stopped David Cuellar in three rounds.

Things got a little complicated when it looked as though Nishida (10-0, 2 KOs) would instead have to face his IBF mandatory in the unbeaten Jose Salas. A unification superseded his mandatory and the fight was put back together.

"I wanted to fight against a strong opponent, and I wanted to fight as a champion before Nakatani possibly went up in weight class," Nishida said.

As is the Japanese way, the two have been cordial ahead their big clash, preferring to let their hands do the talking.

"We have never trained together or sparred both as amateur or since I became a professional, but I have a lot of respect for Nakatani and his team," Nishida said. "I know we will both be prepared to give our absolute all in the ring."

The 28-year-old, who trained under Kosuke Takeichi at Rokushima Gym and sparred amongst talented 122-pounders, world-rated Elijah Pierce and European beltholder Dennis McCann, among others, offered a simple message to his countryman.

"Let's give the audience, on the day, a perfect battle," he said.

Nishida's matchmaker, Mike Altamura, helped negotiate the deal and feels this fight has huge ramifications not just for now but historically.

"It's a massive opportunity and a genuine legacy fight," said Altamura. "Nakatani deserves to be the favorite based on his experience and accomplishments to date, though I am very confident in Ryosuke's capabilities to shock the boxing world. He's improving every outing, is exceptionally disciplined and dedicated to his craft, and considerably stronger than his record may reflect."

Nakatani (30-0, 23 KOs) is rated No. 1 by The Ring at bantamweight.

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him on X @AnsonWainwr1ght