Ed Odeven 
WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani (right) closes in on a third-round knockout of David Cuellar in their title bout on February 24, 2025, at Tokyo's Ariake Arena. (©SANKEI)
Read the full story on SportsLook - Junto Nakatani Defends Title with 3rd-Round KO of David Cuellar
Junto Nakatani didn't need a lot of time to exhibit his boxing superiority against challenger David Cuellar on Monday night, February 24.
The unbeaten WBC bantamweight champion was aggressive from the opening bell, throwing his full arsenal of punches at his Mexican opponent. Rounds 1 and 2 ― both won by the Japanese fighter known as "Big Bang" ― delivered an omen of what was to come.
At Tokyo's Ariake Arena, Nakatani increased the frequency and ferocity of his punches in the third round. And Cuellar, 23, who was making his first appearance in a world title bout, didn't have an answer for Nakatani's brutal combinations.
Knocked down twice in Round 3, the Mexican challenger known as "El General," absorbed the power of the 27-year-old Nakatani's top-level skills. When it happened the second time, Cuellar didn't have time to recover. He didn't return to his feet in time to continue boxing.
Referee Michael Griffin made it official: a KO at the 3:04 mark of the third round.
Junto Nakatani Remains Unbeaten as a Pro
Nakatani, who was making his third title defense, improved to 30-0 with 23 KOs.
Cuellar, the WBC's sixth-ranked bantamweight, slipped to 28-1 (18 KOs).
For Nakatani, rapid two- and three-punch combinations increased as the third round progressed. And it spelled trouble for Cuellar.
With under 30 seconds left in Round 3, Cuellar dropped after Nakatani hammered him with a powerful right, followed by a straight left that landed flush on the challenger's chin. Cuellar was back on his feet with 15 seconds remaining on the clock for the round.
What followed was Nakatani's flurry of punches hitting its target. He detonated a tremendous left hook, signaling the beginning of the end for Cuellar. Nakatani followed with several more on-target blows, including a spectacular left hook to deliver the knockout.
Asked about the end of the bout, Nakatani said he couldn't recall the exact sequence of events. But he issued a question for boxing fans at the arena and those watching the live broadcast around the world.
"I don't remember, but did you get to see my big bang?" said the Kanagawa Prefecture native.
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
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