WBC Bantamweight Champion Takuma Inoue will step into the ring again to face Tenshin Nasukawa in a highly anticipated rematch on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This pivotal 12-round contest for the WBC World Bantamweight Championship (118 lbs / 53.5 kg) is set to electrify fans at the Toyota Arena Tokyo in Koto-Ku, Japan.
Nasukawa earned his mandatory challenger status after a significant victory in April, setting the stage for a dramatic second encounter. For Inoue, who claimed the title from Nasukawa in their first clash, it’s an opportunity to secure a more conclusive outcome and solidify his reign.
Takuma Inoue and Tenshin Nasukawa rematch at Tokyo’s Toyota Arena
Teiken Promotions announced the showdown yesterday, confirming a sensational world title bout between these grudge rivals. This will mark Inoue’s second defense of his WBC World Bantamweight Championship, promising high stakes.
The fight will stream live and exclusively on Prime Video in Japan as “Prime Video Boxing 16.” This ensures a wide audience will witness the bantamweight division’s latest chapter unfold.
Inoue secures title in contentious first encounter
The initial meeting between Takuma Inoue and Tenshin Nasukawa took place on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the very same Toyota Arena Tokyo in Koto-Ku. That night, Inoue, then sporting a record of 21-2 with 5 KOs, bested Nasukawa, whose record stood at 7-1 with 2 KOs, via unanimous decision.
The victory allowed Inoue to claim the vacant WBC bantamweight title, previously held by Junto Nakatani before his move to super featherweight. Both fighters successfully made the 118-pound bantamweight limit, each weighing in at 117.7 pounds for the championship bout.
Nasukawa, known for his explosive style, started quickly, using his movement and feints to land effectively in the early rounds. However, Inoue demonstrated championship mettle, recovering well and seizing control during the middle rounds.
He applied consistent pressure and delivered precise close-range work, shifting the momentum. The WBC’s open scoring system showed the contest tied at 38-38 after four rounds, indicating a closely fought opening stretch.
But Inoue steadily built a commanding lead by the eighth round, ultimately securing the win. Judges scored the fight 117-111, 116-112, and 116-112 in his favor, handing Nasukawa his first professional boxing defeat.
Nasukawa’s TKO victory earns mandatory challenger status
Tenshin Nasukawa, 27, enters this rematch with a professional boxing record of 8 wins and 1 loss, with 3 KOs. He transitioned to boxing after an illustrious career in kickboxing, where he was a world champion with an undefeated record of 44-0 and 28 KOs.
His move to boxing came after his high-profile bout against Takeru Segawa at THE MATCH 2022. Nasukawa made his professional boxing debut on April 8, 2023, fighting in the super bantamweight division.
He defeated Yuki Yonaha by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 59-55, 60-53, and 60-53, showcasing his adaptability. But it was his most recent performance that truly sealed this rematch.
In April 2026, Nasukawa delivered a powerful statement by stopping former two-weight world champion Juan Francisco Estrada via TKO. This decisive victory not only solidified his credentials but also earned him the mandatory challenger position for the WBC bantamweight belt.
Such a potential undisputed run is a testament to his rapid progression in the sport. The former kickboxer has openly voiced his ambition for this upcoming fight, stating, “This time I’ll avenge my previous loss by a knockout. I’ve greatly improved since our first encounter.”
His confidence suggests he believes the first fight was a learning experience, not a definitive defeat. Nasukawa aims to prove he’s evolved into a full-fledged boxing threat, capable of dethroning a world champion.
Inoue looks to dominate after first title defense
Current WBC Bantamweight Champion Takuma Inoue, who is 30 years old, boasts a professional boxing record of 22 wins and 2 losses, with 5 KOs. He’s a two-time world champion, having previously held the WBA bantamweight title from 2023-2024.
His journey back to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. The first bout against Nasukawa in November 2025 marked his return after a 13-month layoff, during which he even considered retirement.
Despite this, he emerged victorious, demonstrating his resilience and determination. His first defense of the WBC World Bantamweight Championship was a dominant performance in May 2026 against Kazuto Ioka in Tokyo, Japan.
Inoue defeated the legendary four-division champion Ioka by unanimous decision, securing two early knockdowns. The judges’ scorecards were overwhelmingly in his favor: 119-107, 120-106, and 118-108, underlining a comprehensive victory.
His older brother, Naoya Inoue, recognized as the undisputed super bantamweight world champion, has publicly praised Takuma’s “insane growth.” This acknowledgment from one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best speaks volumes about Takuma’s development and current form.
Heading into the rematch, Takuma Inoue exudes confidence, declaring, “I’ll repeat my victory over him with a shutout performance.” He’s not just looking for a win; he’s aiming for an emphatic statement.
This pursuit of a decisive victory could mean a more aggressive approach from the champion, aiming to leave no doubt this time. Such definitive statements from champions often precede memorable performances, akin to other elite boxers facing a mandatory WBO defense.
WBC bantamweight division: a dynamic landscape
The bantamweight division, capped at 118 pounds (53.5 kg), remains one of boxing’s most fiercely contested categories. Fighters in this weight class are often characterized by their speed, agility, and technical prowess, making for thrilling contests.
The World Boxing Council (WBC), established in 1963, is one of the sport’s most prominent sanctioning bodies. Their championship belts carry significant prestige and are a coveted prize for any fighter looking to etch their name in boxing history.
This rematch between Inoue and Nasukawa exemplifies the competitive depth within the bantamweight division. Both fighters represent different paths to the top, one a seasoned boxing champion and the other a crossover star.
The outcome will undoubtedly send ripples through the entire 118-pound landscape. It will either solidify Inoue’s position as the clear top dog or usher in a new era with Nasukawa as the champion.
Stakes and future implications for both fighters
For Takuma Inoue, this fight is about legacy and cementing his reign. A second victory over Nasukawa, especially a more conclusive one, would silence any lingering doubts from their first encounter.
It would further underscore his evolution as a fighter, moving beyond being solely known as Naoya Inoue’s younger brother. Such a performance could open doors to unification bouts or even moves to other divisions.
Conversely, for Tenshin Nasukawa, this rematch offers a chance at redemption and validation. Claiming the WBC title would cap a remarkable transition from kickboxing to professional boxing.
It would not only avenge his sole professional boxing defeat but also establish him as a legitimate world champion in his new sport. The narrative of his crossover journey would become even more compelling with a world title in hand.
The loser, however, will face a significant setback. For Nasukawa, a second loss to Inoue would raise questions about his ultimate potential in boxing’s upper echelons, potentially forcing him to rebuild his path to a world title shot.
For Inoue, a loss would mean relinquishing his hard-won title and potentially facing a long road back to championship status. The implications extend beyond just the belt; pride and future career trajectories are very much on the line.
This contest is more than just a title defense; it’s a pivotal moment for both athletes. The winner will emerge with increased star power and a clearer path forward in a dynamic division. Even high-profile championship events, such as Oleksandr Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title defense, capture similar attention when the stakes are so high.
Boxing fans worldwide, particularly in Japan, eagerly await September 27. The Toyota Arena Tokyo will serve as the backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable night of boxing, settling a score between two of the bantamweight division’s most compelling figures.
