Top-ranked World Boxing Organization super flyweight Junto Nakatani of M.T Boxing Gym held a press conference at the gym, near Tokyo, on March 25 he will face Andrew Molony, ranked second in the division, for the vacant WBO super flyweight title on May 20 (21 Japan time) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This is because Kazuto Ioka of Shisei Boxing Gym has recently relinquished the title after drawing with World Boxing Association super flyweight kingpin Joshua Franco of the United States in the title unification fight on Dec. 31 last year in Tokyo.

The 25-year-old Nakatani, who had been preparing for his fight with Ioka ever since giving up his WBO flyweight crown last October, said, ‘’Since becoming a world super flyweight champion is my immediate target, I will switch my focus of attention to my new opponent.’’

The fight will serve as the chief supporting card for the world lightweight title match between the unified champion Devin Haney of the United States and former three-division world kingpin Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine at MGM Grand Hotel.

In this connection, Nakatani said, ‘’My motivation will be elevated since I can fight at the historic venue. I am determined to display my best performance.’’

Asked about his impression about Molony, 32, Nakatani replied, ‘’I haven’t watched his fight video seriously yet. But my general impression of him is he is a well-rounded boxer based on left jabs. I want to get into my rhythm (in the coming fight).’’

Nakatani will leave for the U.S. on March 29 and is expected to get into shape in Los Angles before moving on to Las Vegas.

The left-handed Nakatani has 24 straight wins, including 18 knockouts. For his part, Molony has a 25-2 win-loss tally with 16 KOs.