LOS ÁNGELES – Junto Nakatani takes a seat on the ring apron following an hour-long workout at the L.A. Boxing Gym in the heart of downtown.

When he meets with The Ring, he’s met for the first time with the January issue of Ring Magazine, which dons the WBC bantamweight champion as one of the five cover stars. Nakatani is elated as he holds the magazine during an interview, glancing at it periodically throughout the conversation.

Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs) – The Ring’s No. 9-ranked pound-for-pound fighter – had a solid 2024 campaign beating Alexandro Santiago, Vincent Astrolabio, and Tasana Salapat, each by knockout. The feats garnered Fighter of the Year finalist honors for Nakatani, who’s now looking to attract some of the most significant opponents possible as he fights in his prime at age 27.

Next on the agenda, however, is a title defense against 23-year-old Mexican contender David Cuellar (28-0, 18 KOs) on February 24 at the Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku, Japan on ESPN+.

“I am not satisfied at this point. I want to perform better and get more recognition,” Nakatani told The Ring through a Japanese translator. “All of my fights ended in knockout last year, and I want to do the same this year. I am looking to control the fight against Cuellar, put on a great performance, and knock him out.”

Nakatani is also eyeing some great opponents.

One of the biggest fights in boxing that could be made in 2025 is a Nakatani encounter with fellow countryman Naoya Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion. It’s a fight Turki Alalshikh, head of Riyadh Season and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, is keen on making. In order for the fight to be made, Nakatani must move up from 118 to 122 pounds.

“I am aware of possibly moving up to 122 pounds,” said Nakatani. “I keep that in mind when I am training. If the opportunity comes up to fight Inoue, that would be great. I might be able to give a better performance at 122 pounds. If the fans want the fight, and the people surrounding Inoue want the fight, it's something that he would probably consider because that's the kind of guy he is.”

In order to better build up the bout, Nakatani is open to fighting on a co-feature slot on Inoue’s upcoming United States return in Las Vegas against David Picasso. When presented with the potential scenario, Nakatani’s eyes widen, he grins from ear to ear, nods in approval, and says “yes” in English.

“I want a title unification fight at 118 pounds next,” said Nakatani.

If the Inoue fight doesn’t happen in 2025, Nakatani would also like to fight future Hall of Famer Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, who now campaigns at 118 pounds, or Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, the 115-pound WBC champion.

“I have not really thought about a fight with Chocolatito, but I would like the fight,” said Nakatani. “I think a Bam Rodriguez fight is one that the fans can look forward to as well.”