Ryosuke Nishida literally had his eyes on the prize.
The unbeaten IBF bantamweight titlist is locked in for his upcoming unification clash with three-division and reigning WBC 118lbs king Junto Nakatani. However, he couldn’t help but let his attention briefly shift from what was being said on stage to what was on display.
“After seeing that WBC belt, I want to become unified champion even more,” Nishida said during their final pre-fight press conference on Friday.
Nakatani-Nishida is set to headline on Amazon Prime-Japan and ESPN+ this Sunday from Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo, Japan.
Their all-southpaw battle marks just the fourth unification in history between reigning titlists from Japan.
The other three each came with a WBC and WBA belt at stake. This will be the first involving the IBF, whose titles the Japanese Boxing Commission only began to recognize in 2013.
Nishida, 10-0 (2 KOs), won his title in a 12-round, unanimous decision over two-time titlist Emmanuel Rodriguez last May 4 in his hometown of Osaka, Japan. Just one defense has followed preceding this weekend – a seventh-round knockout of unbeaten Thai contender Anuchai Donsua last December 15, also in Osaka.
Nakatani, 30-0 (23 KOs), has won all nine of his career title fights spanning three weight divisions. The 27-year-old southpaw from Sagamihara most recently crushed unbeaten challenger David Cuellar of Queretaro, Mexico on February 24 at nearby Ariake Arena.
Following the win, Nakatani was joined in the ring by Nishida, whom he challenged to an immediate unification clash.
As noted by this weekend’s matchup, the offer was graciously accepted. Nishida, 28, was able to delay a pending mandatory title defense against Mexico’s Jose Salas, 16-0 (10 KOs), to move forward with this dream matchup.
“We trained very hard for this opportunity and we are in supreme condition,” vowed Nishida. “I am glad to see that my opponent has done the same.”
Even as both risk their belts and unblemished records, Nakatani stands far more to lose. The rising pound-for-pound entrant is on course for a super fight with four-division and reigning undisputed 122lbs champion Naoya Inoue, 30-0 (27 KOs), sometime next year.
A loss on Sunday will derail those plans, or at least dampen the enthusiasm. Nakatani is a -1200 favorite to prevail, according to bet365 sportsbook which lists Nishida as a +750 underdog.
The odds mean little to Nishida, who is well aware of the uphill battle he faces this weekend. It comes with wanting to challenge the very best, which is why he ran towards Nakatani to begin with.
“I’m very happy that this unification is taking place,” said Nishida, a six-year pro. “I look forward even more to beating Nakatani to unify these two titles.”