Junto Nakatani’s first night campaigning at super-bantamweight proved to be anything but routine as the Japanese star was forced into a gruelling twelve-round examination by a fearless Sebastian Hernandez in Riyadh.

Fighting at the Mohammed Abdo Arena on December 27, 2025, Nakatani ultimately emerged with a unanimous decision victory, but the scorecards only told part of a contest that swung dramatically as the rounds wore on. Two judges returned scores of 115–113, while a wider third card sparked debate among observers who felt the bout was far tighter than the numbers suggested.

The early stages followed a familiar pattern for Nakatani, who boxed with calm authority and sharp timing despite stepping up in weight for the first time. The southpaw’s reach and footwork allowed him to dictate range, landing clean shots through the middle while limiting Hernandez’s opportunities to counter. It echoed the confidence he showed in his previous outing back in June, when he dismantled Ryosuke Nishida inside six rounds to claim the Ring Magazine bantamweight title and unify belts in emphatic fashion.

Hernandez, however, was never content to play a supporting role. The unbeaten Mexican steadily increased his work rate after the opening rounds, applying relentless pressure and forcing exchanges at close quarters. His willingness to take risks transformed the fight, dragging Nakatani into a demanding physical battle that tested stamina as much as skill.

From the middle rounds onwards, the tempo rose sharply. Hernandez poured forward with volume, targeting the body and refusing to be discouraged by the champion’s accuracy. Nakatani continued to land the cleaner blows, particularly with his uppercuts and straight lefts, but he was no longer enjoying the comfort of the early sessions. Swelling around his eye was evidence of the challenger’s persistence, as the crowd sensed momentum shifting.

The championship rounds were fought at a punishing pace. Hernandez’s output never dipped, while Nakatani relied on composure and ring intelligence to stay ahead on the scorecards. Rather than chasing a finish, the Japanese fighter focused on movement and precision, aware that every exchange carried danger against an opponent growing in belief.

When the final bell sounded, both men had emptied the tank. The decision went Nakatani’s way, preserving his unbeaten record and confirming a successful, if taxing, debut at 122 pounds. While the margin of victory will be debated, few could question the quality of the contest or the resilience shown by both fighters.

In the end, the judges sided with class and consistency over pressure and volume, awarding the contest to Junto Nakatani after twelve absorbing rounds against Sebastian Hernandez.