Inoue Claims Vacant WBC Bantamweight Title vs. Nasukawa

Takuma Inoue captured the vacant WBC bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Tenshin Nasukawa on Monday night at Toyota Arena in Tokyo, marking an upset in a closely contested domestic showdown.

The 29-year-old Inoue, younger brother of four-division champion Naoya Inoue, improved to 21-2 with five knockouts by outpointing the previously unbeaten Nasukawa over 12 rounds. Judges scored the bout 116-112, 116-112 and 117-111 in Inoue's favor, handing the 27-year-old kickboxing phenom his first professional boxing defeat and dropping him to 7-1 with two knockouts. The fight, which drew a passionate crowd for the all-Japanese matchup, highlighted contrasting styles: Nasukawa's southpaw speed against Inoue's orthodox pressure and precision.

Nasukawa, who entered as the betting favorite after a rapid rise since turning professional in April 2023, started strong. The former RIZIN kickboxing world champion used his reach and footwork to land sharp left hands and body shots in the opening rounds, controlling the distance and even showboating at times. He snapped Inoue's head back with counters and built an early lead, thriving in the counterpunching role through the...