Tenshin Nasukawa beats Takuma Inoue to Claim WBC Bantamweight Title in Tokyo
The Toyota Arena in Tokyo, Japan, pulsed with national excitement on November 24, 2025, as Tenshin Nasukawa captured the WBC bantamweight title via unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 115-113) over Takuma Inoue in a 12-round masterpiece. Nasukawa’s lightning speed and counterpunching dismantled Inoue’s technical boxing, marking the kickboxer’s first world title in professional boxing. Broadcast details were primarily on Japanese networks with international streaming, the bout electrified a sold-out crowd of 12,000, amplified by Tokyo’s fight-week frenzy including fan meet-and-greets and a Shibuya crossover event. X posts like @BoxingJapanX hailed it as “Nasukawa’s coronation,” cementing his transition from kickboxing legend to boxing elite in the 118-pound division.
Fight Overview
Nasukawa vs. Inoue topped the main card at Toyota Arena, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. JST after prelims at 5:30 p.m. JST. Slated for around 9:45 p.m. JST, the fight carried historic stakes: Nasukawa, 26, aimed to prove his crossover dominance, while Inoue, 29, defended his belt in a bid to uphold the family legacy. Bet365 odds listed Nasukawa as the -180 favorite, banking on his speed, with Inoue at +150, buoyed by his experience. X buzz framed it as a generational clash, with @FightAsiaX posting, “Tenshin’s flash vs. Takuma’s craft—Tokyo’s ready for history!” The 12,000 fans, fueled by fight-week events like a Roppongi open workout and a fan expo at Tokyo Dome City, created a deafening atmosphere. X polls leaned 62% toward Nasukawa’s explosiveness, with 38% backing Inoue’s precision, per @GlobalBoxingX.
Tenshin Nasukawa
The 26-year-old from Chiba, Japan, entered with a 5-0 boxing record (3 KOs), standing 5’5” with a 65-inch reach. The former kickboxing phenom averages 7.8 significant punches per round with 60% accuracy (Compubox), showcasing blinding hand speed. His 2024 TKO of Junto Nakatani’s brother earned massive hype. Training at Teiken Gym, X clips showed him drilling footwork with coach Yoko Gushiken. His 75% counter success and star power make him a PPV draw, with @KickBoxingX tweeting, “Tenshin’s a once-in-a-generation talent.”
Takuma Inoue
The 29-year-old from Yokohama, Japan, carried a 19-1 record (5 KOs), at 5’5” with a 64-inch reach. The younger Inoue brother lands 6.2 punches per round at 55% accuracy (Compubox), known for sharp jabs and ring IQ. His 2024 defense against Sho Ishida solidified his reign. Training at Ohashi Gym, X footage showed him refining defense with father Shingo. @BoxingInsider noted, “Takuma’s +150 odds are value for that pedigree.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Tokyo erupts as Nasukawa opens with a double jab, using speed to circle Inoue. Takuma lands a body shot at 1:30, but Nasukawa counters with a right at 2:45, drawing first blood from Inoue’s nose. Compubox counts Nasukawa landing 28 of 45 punches to Inoue’s 12 of 30. @BoxingJPN scores it 10-9 Nasukawa, tweeting, “Tenshin’s too fast; Takuma’s adjusting.”
Round 2-3: Inoue finds rhythm in Round 2, landing a jab-hook combo at 0:45. Nasukawa answers with a four-punch flurry at 2:00. Round 3 sees Nasukawa dominate with angles, landing 32 of 50 to Inoue’s 15 of 35. A cut opens above Inoue’s left eye at 2:50. Judges likely give Nasukawa both, 20-18.
Round 4-6: Inoue presses in Round 4, clinching at 1:20 and landing short hooks. Nasukawa escapes, firing a counter uppercut at 2:30 that deepens the cut. Rounds 5-6 are Nasukawa’s clinic: he outlands Inoue 80-55, using feints. A Round 6 left hook wobbles Inoue. Compubox: 10-9 Nasukawa each.
Round 7-9: Inoue rallies in Round 7, landing a straight right at 1:45 that staggers Nasukawa briefly. He outlands 22-18. Round 8 sees Nasukawa reclaim speed, landing 38 of 60. Round 9 is a firefight: Nasukawa edges 28 of 50 to Inoue’s 20 of 42. Scores likely 10-9 Inoue in 7, 10-9 Nasukawa in 8-9.
Round 10-12: Nasukawa dominates Round 10 with 42 of 65 punches, targeting body. Inoue swings in Round 11, but Nasukawa’s counters slow him. Final round: Inoue presses, but Nasukawa’s 30 landed seal it. Compubox finale: Nasukawa 215 of 390 to Inoue’s 150 of 330. Unanimous decision for Nasukawa.
Key Moments and Impact
Nasukawa’s Speed: His 215 of 390 punches (55% accuracy) overwhelmed Inoue, with counters (70% success) turning the tide. @JapanFightX: “Tenshin’s a blur; boxing’s new king.”
Inoue’s Resilience: Round 7 stagger and 45 body shots kept him competitive, but 45% accuracy couldn’t match speed. @BoxingTalkJP: “Takuma fought valiantly.”
Fan and Media Reaction: The 12,000 fans roared for Nasukawa’s flurries, with X polls favoring him 68%. @GlobalBoxX praised, “Historic night.”
Cut Impact: Inoue’s eye cut bled heavily, but he absorbed 6.5 punches per round with grit.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Post-fight with WOWOW, Nasukawa declared, “This is for Japan! Naoya, let’s unify!” His first title win, earning a $75,000 bonus, marks his 6th pro victory. His 60% accuracy and zero knockdowns absorbed cement his elite status. A superfight with Naoya Inoue looms, though power against heavier hitters is untested.
Inoue, now 19-2, saluted Nasukawa: “He’s the future; I’ll return stronger.” His stock remains high, with X suggesting a rematch or Junto Nakatani bout. At 29, his 55% accuracy ensures contender status.
The bantamweight division explodes, with Naoya Inoue, Jason Moloney, and Sam Goodman circling. Nasukawa’s win sets up a potential “Inoue vs. Inoue” legacy fight.
Event Context and Tokyo Atmosphere
The November 24 card was a Japanese boxing spectacle, with the co-main seeing Junto Nakatani TKO Seiya Tsutsumi. Undercard gems included a flyweight upset by Yuri Akui. The 12,000 fans, hyped by Shibuya events and open workouts, created a patriotic frenzy. @BoxingJPN tweeted, “Tokyo delivered magic!” The event’s 50% KO rate marked it as a 2025 highlight.
What’s Next?
Nasukawa targets Naoya Inoue unification in 2026, likely in Saitama. A win could spark pound-for-pound talk. Inoue eyes a February return against Moloney. This Tokyo thriller crowns Nasukawa as 118-pound king, with legacy fights ahead.
On November 24, 2025, Tenshin Nasukawa outclassed Takuma Inoue via unanimous decision, using speed to claim the WBC bantamweight crown. His 55% accuracy and Tokyo masterclass set up a historic unification, amid Toyota Arena roars and a card full of drama.
