Boxing Match Preview: Kaito Yamasaki (11-1-0, 11 KOs) vs. Yuta Nakagawa (32-11-3, 32 KOs)

Event Overview

The super bantamweight clash between Kaito Yamasaki and Yuta “Mugicha” Nakagawa is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Sumiyoshi SportsCenter in Osaka, Japan. This 10-round bout is part of the “You Will Be The Champion 27” card, headlined by Nishida vs. Mercado, and contests the vacant OPBF Super Bantamweight Title. The venue, a multi-purpose sports facility in Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Ward, has a capacity of around 2,000 and frequently hosts regional boxing events, providing an intimate atmosphere for Japanese fight fans.

Ringwalk for the main undercard bout (Yamasaki-Nakagawa) is approximately 5:00 AM ET (2:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM GMT, 7:00 PM JST local time), depending on the progression of earlier fights. The event will be broadcast in Japan via local promoters and potentially streamed internationally on platforms like YouTube or DAZN for select markets, though no global TV deal has been confirmed. This fight marks a step-up for the prospect Yamasaki against the veteran Nakagawa, with both fighters weighing in at the 122 lbs super bantamweight limit.

Injury Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading up to the bout. Both Yamasaki and Nakagawa have been active in training camps without any publicized setbacks, such as cuts, strains, or illnesses. Yamasaki, coming off a loss in October 2025, has had ample recovery time, while Nakagawa’s veteran status suggests he’s managed his 37-year-old body well through consistent activity. Promoters and camps have confirmed both are at 100% heading into fight week, with no last-minute issues noted in pre-fight medicals.

Fighter Matchups and Analysis

This is a classic prospect-vs-veteran matchup at super bantamweight (122 lbs), pitting Yamasaki’s youth, power, and aggression against Nakagawa’s experience, durability, and technical savvy. Both fight out of an orthodox stance, with Yamasaki at 5’7″ (170 cm reach unconfirmed) and Nakagawa holding a height/reach advantage at 5’9″ (69″ reach). The fight is expected to feature high volume, with Yamasaki pressing early and Nakagawa looking to counter and extend into later rounds. No prior head-to-head history exists, as this is their first meeting.

• Kaito Yamasaki (11-1-0, 6 KOs)
  • Background and Style: The 29-year-old from Kochi, Japan (residing in Osaka), is a rising star affiliated with Muto Boxing Gym. Debuting in 2021, Yamasaki is known for his aggressive, power-punching style, boasting a 55% KO rate. He’s a volume puncher who relies on footwork and combinations to break down opponents, but his lone loss exposed vulnerabilities in defense against elite competition.
  • Recent Form: Yamasaki enters on a mixed streak, having suffered his first defeat in October 2025 to Subaru Murata (unanimous decision loss in a WBO Asia Pacific Super Bantamweight title fight). Prior to that, he was on a hot run: a win over Wisaksil Wangek (points, April 2025) and a stoppage of Carlo Demecillo (TKO, August 2023). His form over the last five: L-W-W-W-W. He’s shown improvement in stamina, going the distance in recent bouts, but his power has waned slightly against tougher foes.
  • Fight History Highlights: Yamasaki’s career has been built on domestic Japanese fights, with notable wins including a TKO over Ryan Rey Ponteras and points victories in regional title eliminators. His loss to Murata was a learning experience, where he was outboxed over 10 rounds, highlighting a need for better head movement. Overall, he’s faced limited international opposition, making this a key test against a grizzled veteran.
  • Strengths/Weaknesses: Explosive early, high KO potential, and solid conditioning. However, he can be hittable if drawn into brawls, and his experience (only 12 pro fights) pales against Nakagawa’s volume.

• Yuta “Mugicha” Nakagawa (32-11-3, 20 KOs)
  • Background and Style: The 37-year-old from Nagahama, Shiga (residing in Sakai, Osaka), is a battle-tested veteran debuting in 2009. With a 63% KO rate, Nakagawa is a durable counterpuncher who uses his reach to pick apart aggressive foes. He’s held regional titles like the WBA Asia East Super Bantamweight (won in 2018 via TKO over Ricky Manufoe) and has fought extensively in Japan and abroad. His style emphasizes defense and late-round surges, making him a threat in decisions.
  • Recent Form: Nakagawa is riding a three-fight win streak, showcasing resilience despite his age. His last bout was a points win over Kenya Yamashita (January 2025), following a TKO loss to Ryo Akaho (April 2025). Before that: wins over Shingo Wake (October 2024, points), Ryuya Nihei (July 2024, points), and Kyonosuke Kameda (July 2024, points). Last five: W-L-W-W-W. He’s gone the distance in most recent wins, averaging 8-10 rounds, but has power when he sits down on shots.
  • Fight History Highlights: With 46 pro bouts (272 rounds), Nakagawa’s resume includes wins over international foes like Sang Yeon Kim (WBO Oriental Featherweight Title, July 2025, decision) and Worawatchai Boonjan (September 2023, TKO). Losses have come against top Japanese talent like Akaho and Wake, often by decision. He’s drawn three times, showing his ability to grind out results. A former regional champ, he’s faced adversity, including a 1-4-1 stretch in 2020-2021, but rebounded strongly.
  • Strengths/Weaknesses: Vast experience, excellent chin (only stopped once), and counterpunching accuracy. Age could be a factor in stamina, and he’s vulnerable to aggressive volume punchers like Yamasaki if caught early.

FIGHT ODDS

Kaito Yamasaki                 – 650

Yuta Nakagawa                 + 400

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 14, 2026