Junto Nakatani vs. Tasana Salapat: Live round-by-by updates
Thailand's prominent boxing star Tasana Salapat will face Japan's Jurn Nakatani for the coveted WBC bantamweight title.
With an impressive record of 76 wins, including 53 KOs and just one loss, Salapat is determined to cement his legacy. He transitioned from a successful Muay Thai career to boxing at 16. He recently secured a unanimous decision victory over GuiMing Li. The Thai boxer is renowned for his dynamic skills, aggressive fighting style, and gritty spirit.
In contrast, the undefeated Nakatani boasts a record of 28 wins, with 21 knockouts. This year alone, he has delivered two explosive knockout victories against Alexandro Santiago and Vincent Astrolabio. Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and finishing abilities, promising a thrilling encounter.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live results and play-by-play updates from the Junto Nakatani vs. Tasana Salapat clash:
Round 1
Both fighters gauge distance and range before opening up with their attacks. A good jab lands for Nakatani. A stifling one-two from Nakatani almost lands flush for him. Nakatani opens up with good hooks and pops the jab with ease. The Japanese boxer lands a digging shot to the body to close out a solid round.
Our Score: 10-9 Nakatani
Round 2
Nakatani is using his jab very well and counters with a perfect left hand. Salapat is opening up in this round with straight punches. Nakatani, however, has done a good job of countering those punches so far. Nakatani seemingly knocked down his rival but the referee waved it off. A looping shot and a good combination to close out another round for the Japanese boxer.
Our Score: 10-9 Nakatani
Round 3
Salapat starts out the action in the third round from the southpaw stance. Triple uppercuts from Nakatani as he doubles up his offense. Salapat slips his opponent's straight punch and lands a snap-back counter. A better round for the challenger. A double jab lands for Nakatani while circling away from his opponent. The straight punch to the body and the rear left hand has been Nakatani's staple attack in the fight.
Our Score: 10-9 Nakatani
Round 4
Nakatani ducks Salapat's punch and counters with a short hook. Snapping jab from Nakatani as he presses his rival against the ropes. He hands a one-two combination that finds its mark. Another good one-two for the Japanese boxer but Salapat is landing better in this round. However, Salapat’s output seems to lag, throwing one punch to Nakatani's two.
Our Score: 10-9 Nakatani
Round 5
Another slip from Salapat, making it three in the fight already. Perfect step-in hook lands for Nakatani. A pair of uppercuts and a straight left from the Japanese boxer catches Salapat's attention. This has been the best round of exchanges so far as both fighters swing with wild punches. The action heats up and Nakatani closes out another good round for him.
Our Score: 10-9 Nakatani
Round 6
A nice right hand from Salapat to start the action in the sixth round. Nakatani is looking for the straight punch but Salapt is just doing enough to evade danger. A nice left hand a flurry of combination from Nakatani, and down goes Salapat!
Salapat doing his best to stay in the fight but Nakatani smells blood. He's being measured in his approach and Salapat seems to have recovered from the knockdown. A snapping one-two from Nakatani and he knocks down his rival again. The referee has seen enough. Nakatani closes out the action with two knockdowns. What a performance this has been from the Japanese standout!
Official Result
Junto Nakatani knocks out Tasana Salapat at the 2:59 mark of the sixth round to defend his WBC bantamweight world title.