Masayoshi Nakatani’s recent victory over Hernandez was marked by mixed performances that raise concerns about his readiness for elite competition. Initially, Nakatani showcased impressive skills, demonstrating his southpaw stance effectively with accurate uppercuts and quick timing. For the first few rounds, he seemed to be in control, retaining rhythm and landing clean shots while Hernandez struggled to find his range.
However, the tide turned as Hernandez adapted, pressuring Nakatani by closing the distance and forcing exchanges. Nakatani’s rhythm faltered, leading him to engage in trading blows rather than maintaining control and distance. This shift put him in a precarious position, where his footwork slowed and the jab that initially provided space became ineffective. An eye injury compounded his difficulties, making it evident that what started as a showcase fight had turned into a significant test of resilience.
The judges’ scorecards reflected Nakatani’s cleaner punches, but the reality of the fight suggested a different narrative. Hernandez, undeterred by Nakatani’s power, pressed forward, which is a critical aspect in a division dominated by pressure fighters. The match highlighted a troubling factor for Nakatani: when pressured, it became less about skill and more about survival, an area where he appeared vulnerable.
There have been discussions about Nakatani’s potential match against the formidable Naoya Inoue, and many observers agree that if Nakatani performs at the level seen in this fight, he could face a decisive defeat. Inoue’s ability to cut the ring, time counters, and exploit weaknesses would likely overwhelm Nakatani, especially given the signs of hesitance and lack of fluidity exhibited in recent rounds.
While Nakatani’s victory keeps him in the rankings and his path forward intact, the illusion of his dominance has been shaken. His performance has sparked conversations about the urgent need for recalibration and improvement, particularly in tightening his footwork and reasserting his authority early on in fights. If adjustments can be made, Nakatani may stand a better chance against relentlessly aggressive opponents like Inoue; if not, he may find himself in trouble when facing the top-tier fighters in his division.