A press conference for “Prime Video Boxing 16” was held in Shinjuku, Tokyo on the 23rd, where it was officially announced that a WBC world bantamweight rematch between Takuma Inoue (Ohashi) and Tenshin Nasukawa (Teiken) will take place at the TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO on Sunday, 27 September.
「これで最後だ」とキャッチコピーがつけられたリマッチ。中央に王者井上と挑戦者那須川 photo/Naoki Fukuda
The two fighters previously clashed for the same vacant title in November last year, with Inoue securing a clear 12-round unanimous decision. Having reclaimed his world title, Inoue has appeared to reach new heights, maintaining exceptional momentum, which included a decisive victory over Kazuto Ioka (Shisei) in May this year after scoring two knockdowns.
Meanwhile, Nasukawa bounced back from his first professional loss against Inoue by stopping Juan Francisco Estrada (Mexico) via TKO in April this year. That victory over Estrada earned him the right to challenge for the title once again. Having declared his commitment to change before defeating Estrada, Nasukawa now enters a rematch with revenge on the line.
The press conference was held publicly at an outdoor space in Kabukicho. Both fighters arrived in a limousine and responded to media questions. Displaying the composure of a champion, Inoue stated, “Nasukawa properly cleared his title eliminator, which is why I accepted this match.” He added, “I will defeat him again. I just need to execute my boxing without opening up any vulnerabilities, just as I did in the first fight, and get the stoppage.” Throughout the conference, Inoue repeatedly used the phrase “defeat him again.”
Nasukawa displayed a rare moment of visible anger. His dissatisfaction with the low-key atmosphere of the announcement press conference, despite a large crowd of fans being gathered, reflected his professional demeanor. Addressing the fans, Nasukawa remarked, “What I surrendered in that defeat was massive. Unsettled debts are unacceptable. I intend to take it all back with heavy interest.” Regarding the stakes of the rematch, he stated, “If I lose here, there is no future for me,” framing the contest as a decisive, do-or-die challenge.
The bout will be broadcast exclusively live on Prime Video.
