Undefeated World Boxing Organization flyweight champion Junto Nakatani of M.T Boxing Gym has relinquished his title as he moves up in weight to super flyweight, which was reported at the WBO’s annual convention in Puerto Rico’s Sun Juan on Oct. 27 (28 Japan time).

According to the WBO’s rankings committee, Nakatani, who will have a 10-round super flyweight nontitle fight with WBO’s third-ranked super flyweight Francisco Rodriguez Jr of Mexico on Nov. 1 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama Prefecture, will be ranked top in the division and is likely to become a designated challenger for the WBO title held by Kazuto Ioka of Shisei Boxing Gym.

The WBO also recognized Ioka’s plan to face World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Joshua Franco of the United States on Dec. 31 in Tokyo in a title unification match. The winner of the fight must face the top-ranked challenger within 180 days, according the convention’s decision.

Since WBO’s fourth-ranked Andrew Moloney of Australia decisioned second-ranked Norbelto Jimenez of the Dominican Republic in October, Ioka may have to face Moloney next year if he clears his New Year’s Eve fight with Franco. But the situation at present is in fluidity, according to boxing sources.
Photo by SUMIO YAMADA