Boxing Match Preview: Junto Nakatani (31-0-0, 24 KOs) vs. Sebastian Hernandez (20-0-0, 18 KOs)
The boxing landscape heats up with a compelling super bantamweight clash between undefeated Japanese star Junto Nakatani and Mexican knockout artist Sebastian Hernandez Reyes on the undercard of the “Ring V: Night of the Samurai” event, headlined by Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso. Nakatani, moving up in weight, aims to extend his perfect record against the hard-hitting Hernandez in this 12-round bout. Below is a comprehensive pre-fight breakdown.
Venue Location
The fight takes place at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This open-air venue, with a capacity of around 22,000, is part of the Riyadh Season festival and has become a hub for major international boxing events, offering a neutral ground with state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant atmosphere.
Ringwalks are set for 5:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. UTC), as part of the early-morning U.S. broadcast to align with global audiences. The full card begins around 3:00 a.m. ET.
Broadcast/Streaming: Available on DAZN worldwide, with pay-per-view options in select regions. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Top Rank.
Recent Form
Both fighters enter undefeated, but Nakatani’s experience shines through. Here’s a summary of their last five fights:
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights (Most Recent First) | Form Notes |
| Junto Nakatani | W (RTD 6 vs. Ryosuke Nishida, Jun 25, 2025, Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo), W (TKO 3 vs. David Cuellar Contreras, Feb 25, 2025, Ariake Arena, Tokyo), W (KO 1 vs. Tasana Salapat, Oct 24, 2024, Ariake Arena, Tokyo), W (KO 1 vs. Vincent Astrolabio, Jul 24, 2024, Kokugikan, Tokyo), W (TKO 6 vs. Alexandro Santiago, Feb 24, 2024, Kokugikan, Tokyo) | Nakatani has stopped four of his last five opponents early, averaging under 4 rounds in those wins. His southpaw style and body shots have overwhelmed recent challengers, with a focus on quick finishes in title defenses. tapology.com +3 |
| Sebastian Hernandez Reyes | W (UD vs. Azat Hovhannisyan, May 25, 2025, Pechanga Arena, San Diego), W (UD vs. Kevin Luis Munoz, Mar 25, 2025, Merida, Mexico), W (UD vs. Sergio Martin Sosa, Dec 24, 2024, Caliente Racetrack, Tijuana), W (UD vs. Yonfrez Parejo, Sep 24, 2024, Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale), W (TKO 4 vs. Jose Luis Castillo Jr., Jun 24, 2024, Mexico City) | Hernandez has won his last five, but four by decision against tougher opposition recently. His early career was KO-heavy (14 straight stoppages), but recent fights show improved boxing skills and durability against veterans. tapology.com +2 |
Nakatani’s fights average 3.8 rounds recently, while Hernandez’s go 8.2, suggesting potential for a longer bout if Hernandez withstands early pressure.
Fight History
This marks the first meeting between Nakatani and Hernandez. No shared opponents stand out, though both have faced durable Mexican fighters—Nakatani stopped Alexandro Santiago (TKO 6), while Hernandez decisioned veterans like Azat Hovhannisyan. As undefeated prospects, this is a step-up for Hernandez against elite competition.
Injury Report
Junto Nakatani: No reported injuries entering fight week. Nakatani appeared sharp at the weigh-in, making weight comfortably at 121.5 lbs, with no history of recent setbacks.
Sebastian Hernandez Reyes: Cleared and healthy, weighing in at 121.75 lbs. No injuries noted in pre-fight medicals or training camp reports.
Fighter Matchups
This 12-round super bantamweight bout features a stylistic clash between Nakatani’s technical southpaw mastery and Hernandez’s orthodox power-punching aggression:
Power vs. Precision: Nakatani (24 KOs) uses his 5’8″ height and 68″ reach to dictate range with sharp jabs and body hooks, potentially frustrating Hernandez’s forward pressure. Hernandez (18 KOs) thrives inside with heavy hooks and uppercuts, aiming to close the distance early.
Experience Edge: Nakatani, a three-division champ with 12 title fights (12-0), faces Hernandez in his first major world-level bout. Nakatani’s ring IQ could shine in later rounds.
Key Dynamics: Watch Nakatani’s footwork to avoid Hernandez’s bombs; if Hernandez lands clean, his 90% KO rate could test Nakatani’s chin (never stopped). Expect a tactical start escalating to exchanges.
Betting Trends
Junto Nakatani: 5-0 in last five as favorite, with 4-1 to the under (quick finishes). His fights end inside the distance 80% of the time in title bouts. Strong in international settings (3-0 in neutral venues).
Sebastian Hernandez Reyes: 4-1 ATS in last five as underdog, with 3-2 to the over (longer decisions recently). Underdogs like him have upset favorites 25% in 2025 super bantamweight fights.
General Trends: Riyadh cards trend toward KOs (55% in 2025), but Japanese-Mexican matchups go to decision 60% (technical vs. aggressive). Under 8.5 hits in 70% of Nakatani’s recent bouts.
FIGHT ODDS
Junto Nakatani – 1700
Sebastian Hernandez + 850
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 26, 2025
