Junto(e) Nakatani pulling a Sergio(e) is the story of this famed weekend

Tru dat. Took Nakatani a bit more time and seasoning (albeit he's already a 2-division champ) but it appears he's growing into his prime well. He actually has more KOs in his last 10 fights vs. his best opponents than in his first 10 against no-hopers and is 4-for-4 in world title fights and knockouts.

I'd still not dare to throw him in with Choco, Estrada or ironically, the younger Bam, cause there is no rush. But taking on the Ioka-Franco winner would be the perfect next step: either passing of the torch between an established HOFer and a potential future one or avenge that Ioka loss and set up Bam's own brotherly revenge mission. Featured on Haney-Sorelosechenko greatly helped his case.

 

Interestingly Rodriguez matches him in range (and probably still growing), so it's an interesting fight at distance. However, albeit being very effective with the uppercut on the inside, Junto couldn't exactly stop Maloney getting in, so tying up and stuff should be learned.

Whether that long neck and sometimes dropping his hands will be his detriment remains to be seen, and for sure some more defense is needed vs. the absolute elite. But he at least possesses the power, timing and accuracy to make anyone think twice, just needs to stay busy and get better with experience.

 

What do you have against Kosei?

 

I'm down with Nakatani taking on Franco-Ioka winner then Estrada & Bam. Wouldn't favor Junto just now against Estrada, question marks around how much heat he can take vs. an elite operator over 12 rounds of pressure, but starting the hype, he earned, and should he unify, that'll be a fine case to call out Gallo.

 

Discharged from the hospital on Sunday, no news is good news since, if anything came up Aussie Fox would've covered it.

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Handy cam footage:



I wish Junto showed a little more concern, albeit being overjoyed after a tough fight.