As 2025 draws to a close, the boxing world isn’t quietly packing up its gloves—it’s unleashing one final fireworks display in the form of “The Ring V: Night of the Samurai.” Co-headlining this stacked card from Riyadh’s Mohammed Abdo Arena this Saturday, December 27, is a super bantamweight showdown that pits Japan’s knockout machine Junto Nakatani against Mexico’s rising phenom Sebastian Hernandez Reyes. 

With both fighters entering the ring undefeated, it’s a statement fight that could redefine the division’s landscape. Nakatani, the established champion, faces a hungry challenger in Hernandez, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s take a look at the fighters.

Breaking Down the fighters

The Southpaw Sensation Junto Nakatani, aptly nicknamed “Big Bang,” has been a force in the lower weight classes since turning pro in 2015.

At 27 years old, the Japanese southpaw boasts an impeccable 31-0 record with 24 knockouts, showcasing his devastating power and technical prowess. Standing at 5’8″ with a 68.5″ reach, Nakatani uses his height and stance to control distance, peppering opponents with sharp jabs before unloading those signature power shots that have ended so many fights early.

Nakatani’s journey has been one of steady dominance. He captured world titles in flyweight and bantamweight before moving up, and his recent performances have solidified him as one of boxing’s most exciting talents from the Far East. Think of him as a precision bomber: he doesn’t just win; he dismantles.

His southpaw style often leaves orthodox fighters like Hernandez scrambling to adjust, and with a 77% knockout rate, Nakatani thrives in turning technical bouts into highlight-reel finishes. Coming off a string of impressive defenses, he’s heavier at the weigh-in and looks primed to extend his reign.

On the other side, 24-year-old Sebastian Hernandez Reyes, fighting out of Tijuana and sometimes going by “Logan”, enters with a perfect 20-0 record, including 18 knockouts. This orthodox puncher stands at about 5’9″ with a 65″ reach, bringing that classic Mexican aggression to the ring: forward pressure, body work, and a willingness to trade in the pocket.

Ranked #9 by The Ring, Hernandez has built his resume on stopping opponents early, with a staggering 90% KO rate that speaks to his raw power.

Hernandez’s career, starting in 2020, has been a rapid ascent through the ranks, facing mostly regional competition but showing flashes of elite potential. He’s unbeaten for a reason, his ability to overwhelm with volume and power has overwhelmed lesser foes. However, this step up against Nakatani represents his biggest test yet, moving from prospect to contender on the global stage. If he can close the distance and make it a phone-booth brawl, Hernandez could pull off the upset.

The Fight Analysis and Official Pick

This matchup is a classic stylistic clash: Nakatani’s slick, rangy southpaw game versus Hernandez’s orthodox pressure fighting. Nakatani’s experience in high-stakes bouts gives him the edge—he’s faced tougher opposition and has the tools to exploit Hernandez’s relative inexperience at this level. Expect Nakatani to use his jab to keep the Mexican at bay early, wearing him down before landing the big shots that lead to a stoppage.

My official pick: Nakatani by KO. Hernandez’s power is real, but Nakatani’s precision and knockout artistry will prove too much. Look for the “Big Bang” to detonate somewhere in the middle rounds, cementing his status as a pound-for-pound threat.

Where to Watch

Don’t miss this explosive event—tune in live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, with the main card starting around 6:47 a.m. ET on Saturday morning. 

By Vincent

Photo courtesy of Ring Magazine