International audiences are likely to remember Tenshin Nasukawa as a hapless first-round knockout victim of the great Floyd Mayweather, who annihilated the former kickboxing champ in a 2018 exhibition bout.
However, the 25-year-old Japanese star has now taken up boxing in earnest and he’s turning heads in his home country as a super bantamweight. Nasukawa is 2-0 as a professional, with both wins coming against vastly more experienced opponents. And despite Yuki Yonaha and Luis Guzman lasting the distance, he floored both fighters with a single blow.
In terms of his attributes, Nasukawa is a quick-fisted and mobile southpaw with sharp reflexes. And if the two early-round knockdowns are anything to go by, then he can punch his weight. This will serve him very well as he ascends the ranks.
WATCH: Kenshiro Teraji vs. Carlos Canizales, exclusively on ESPN+
Nasukawa’s prior combat experience also means he’s accustomed to being hit back. Forget the Mayweather debacle where a 5ft 4ins, 130-pound martial artist moved up to 147 pounds to face a 5ft 8ins all-time great boxer. That matchup was a simple case of money over common sense.
As a serious boxer, Nasukawa is young enough to learn his trade and he’s been impressive in his first two professional bouts.
Who is Tenshin Nasukawa fighting next?
Next up for Nasukawa is Mexico’s Luis Robles Pacheco on January 23. The pair collide on the undercard of Kenshiro Teraji’s unified light flyweight title defence against Carlos Canizales, which takes place at the EDION Arena in Osaka.
Pacheco, like Nasukawa’s first two pro opponents, has a significant edge in experience. The Mexico City native entered the paid ranks in 2016 and has compiled a record of 15-2-1 (5 KOs). He contested a domestic WBC title in his most recent bout, fighting his way to a draw against the unbeaten Alexis Molina Aguirre.
The two losses Pacheco suffered came against Gerardo Hernandez and Edgar Valencia. Hernandez scored a unanimous decision over Pacheco in 2017 and Valencia won a split decision over him in 2022. He has never been knocked out.
WATCH: Kenshiro Teraji vs. Carlos Canizales, exclusively on ESPN+
Who could Tenshin Nasukawa fight at super bantamweight?
While Nasukawa resides in the same division as undisputed champ Naoya Inoue, let’s not get excited.
With each passing fight, “The Monster” is strengthening his case as an all-time great. He is arguably the finest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet right now and a lock for the Hall of Fame.
Nasukawa looks like he could develop into a really good pro, but he’s at the embryonic stages of his career. There’s no way on earth that he should be allowed anywhere near an opponent as seasoned and deadly as Inoue. Case closed.
Should Nasukawa continue on the trajectory he’s on right now, he could be ready for a step up in class in 2025. In the meantime, there are several Japanese and international super bantamweights he could be matched with that would help with his development.
His prior combat experience and natural talent support the fast-track schedule that Nasukawa is on right now. However, it’s important not to get too brave when it comes to matchmaking. There’s no rush with a 25-year-old fighter.