Nakatani Vs Cuellar: Unbeaten Champions Collide In Tokyo On February 24

Boxing fans, mark your calendars! February 24 is shaping up to be an electrifying night of action at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, featuring some of the best bantamweight fighters in the world. The main event sees Japan’s undefeated sensation, Junto Nakatani, defending his WBC bantamweight title against Mexico’s rising star, David Cuellar, in the highly anticipated Nakatani vs Cuellar showdown. And that’s not all—this stacked card also includes a rematch between Seiya Tsutsumi and Daigo Higa, as well as a showdown between exciting prospect Tenshin Nasukawa and seasoned veteran Jason Moloney. Here’s everything you need to know about the fights and why this event is unmissable.

Main Event: Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar

The spotlight will be on Junto Nakatani, one of Japan’s most exciting fighters right now. The 28-year-old is coming off an incredible 2024, where he fought three times and won all his bouts by knockout. He claimed the WBC bantamweight title in a dominating performance against Alexandro Santiago, then followed it up with a first-round destruction of Vincent Astrolabio. Most recently, he stopped Tasana Salapat in the sixth round, proving he’s not just a skilled boxer but a knockout artist too. Nakatani’s record speaks for itself—29 wins, no losses, and 22 knockouts. He’s unbeaten, confident, and ready to defend his title in front of his home crowd.

Facing him is David Cuellar, a hungry and undefeated challenger from Mexico. At 28 years old, Cuellar has built an impressive resume with 28 wins, 18 of them by knockout. While he hasn’t fought for a world title before, he’s shown he has the skills and toughness to compete at the highest level. His most notable victory came in 2023, when he stopped former champion Luis Concepcion in eight rounds. Now, Cuellar is ready to step into the biggest fight of his career against Nakatani. The question is: will he rise to the occasion, or will Nakatani’s power and experience be too much?

Co-Main Event: Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Daigo Higa II

The co-main event is a rematch years in the making. Seiya Tsutsumi and Daigo Higa first met in 2020, and their fight ended in a draw. Now, with a championship on the line, both fighters have something to prove.

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Tsutsumi, 29, is the reigning WBA bantamweight champion. He won the belt in October 2024 after defeating Takuma Inoue by unanimous decision, capping off a seven-fight win streak. With a record of 12 wins, 0 losses, 2 draws, and 8 knockouts, Tsutsumi has steadily built his reputation as one of the most technical and determined fighters in the division. A win here would not only settle the score with Higa but also establish Tsutsumi as a dominant champion.

Daigo Higa, also 29, is no stranger to championship fights. The heavy-handed puncher from Tokyo boasts a record of 21 wins, 3 losses, and 19 knockouts. Once the WBC flyweight champion, Higa is looking to reclaim his spot at the top after a tough loss to Yoshiki Takei in September. Known for his knockout power, Higa will be looking to end this fight early and prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Can he finally get the better of Tsutsumi, or will the champion’s skill and composure prevail?

Source: Junto Nakatani-David Cuellar set for February 24 on ESPN+

Undercard Highlight: Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Jason Moloney

The undercard features an intriguing battle between rising star Tenshin Nasukawa and former WBO bantamweight champion Jason Moloney. This fight is a massive step up for Nasukawa, who is looking to cement his status as one of the sport’s most exciting new talents.

Nasukawa, 26, is already a household name in Japan thanks to his success as a kickboxer. Since transitioning to professional boxing in April 2023, he’s been on a tear, racking up 5 wins, 2 by knockout, in just over a year. Fans love his speed, accuracy, and ability to entertain in the ring. However, Moloney is a huge leap in competition—a veteran with championship experience who won’t be easily intimidated.

Moloney, 33, comes into this fight with a record of 27 wins, 3 losses, and 19 knockouts. The Australian has fought some of the biggest names in the sport, including Naoya Inoue and Emmanuel Rodriguez. In 2023, he captured the vacant WBO bantamweight title with a hard-fought victory over Vincent Astrolabio. However, he lost the title in his second defense to Yoshiki Takei. Now, Moloney is looking to bounce back and show the world he’s still a top contender. For Nasukawa, this fight is a test of whether he can handle the pressure and skill of an experienced opponent.

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Nakatani vs Cuellar: Unbeaten Champions Collide in Tokyo on February 24

Why This Event Matters

This night isn’t just about great fights; it’s about showcasing the depth of talent in the bantamweight division. From rising stars like Nasukawa to seasoned champions like Nakatani, fans will get a chance to see the future of boxing alongside some of its most established names.

For Junto Nakatani, it’s another chance to show why he’s one of the best fighters in the world. A dominant win over Cuellar would further cement his reputation as a pound-for-pound star.
For David Cuellar, this fight is a chance to shock the world and bring a world title back to Mexico. If he pulls off the upset, it could be the start of a legendary career.
For Seiya Tsutsumi and Daigo Higa, their rematch is about more than just a belt—it’s about legacy. Both fighters have something to prove, and neither can afford to leave any doubt this time.
For Tenshin Nasukawa, this is the moment to prove he’s more than just hype. A win over Jason Moloney would be a huge statement that he belongs among the division’s elite.

Why February 24 Is a Must-Watch for Boxing Fans

This is a can’t-miss event for boxing fans, blending high-stakes title fights with compelling storylines and exciting matchups. Whether you’re tuning in to watch Junto Nakatani defend his crown, the heated rematch between Tsutsumi and Higa, or the rise of Tenshin Nasukawa, there’s something for everyone on this card.

The action kicks off on February 24, live from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, exclusively on ESPN+. Don’t miss it!