Nakatani receives his WBC belt in Japan

The bantamweight champion of the World Boxing Council, Junto Nakatani, received his cherished Green and Gold from WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán.

Nakatani met with President Sulaiman, at the Japan Boxing Commission in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, where he received the bantam belt from him.

“As the face of the WBC, I hope you continue to give your best and continue to be an exemplary champion,” commented Mauricio.

Nakatani commented: “I want to continue training and have exacting fights, so that I can continue to exceed expectations.”

On February 24, Nakatani defeated champion Alejandro Santiago by sixth-round technical knockout at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, winning the WBC world title and becoming champion in three weight classes.

President Sulaiman said: “I have been watching Nakatani for many years. He left Japan trained
in the United States, and is approaching perfection in a boxing that takes advantage of his height and reach.”

The WBC bantamweight belt has been held in the past by famous Japanese champions, namely Joichiro Tatsuyoshi, Hozumi Hasegawa, Shinsuke Yamanaka and Naoya Inoue.

Nakatani said: “I have been watching the WBC belt since I was a child. It is a historical belt that great Japanese champions have had, so it is an honor for me. To receive it directly from the President. This gives me encouragement for my career,” he said with a smile.