World Boxing Organization fifth-ranked lightweight Masayoshi Nakatani of Teiken Boxing Gym entered Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 19 local time to fight against former world champion in three weight classes and former unified world lightweight triple champion Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine on June 26 (June 27 Japan time) in a 12-round fight at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Upon arrival at Las Vegas from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Nakatani said, ‘’It was very warmer than I had expected (the temperature on that day rose to the maximum 45 ℃). But I can adjust myself easily to the environment (because Nakatani will stay at the same house as before). The 32-year-old Japanese attained a come-from-behind victory over Felix Verdejo of Puerto Rico in the ninth round in a nontitle bout last December.

‘’I was not allowed to go outside of my hotel because I was in a bubble environment. But this time, regulations (against COVID-19) are not that restrict, and I think I can spend my time here without too much stress before the weigh-ins and fight,’’ Nakatani said.

Nakatani, who is 182 centimeters in height, has a record of 19 wins, including 13 knockouts, against a loss. Meanwhile, Lomachenko has a 14-2 win-loss tally with 10 KOs.

Meanwhile, Subaru Murata, who also belongs to Teiken Gym and will make a professional debut here in Las Vegas on one of the undercards of the Lomachenko-Nakatani clash, appeared equally relaxed.
The 24-year-old southpaw, who fought 80 bouts during his amateur days, will face Keven Monroy of the U.S. in a four-round bout.