Junto Nakatani claimed victory on his super-bantamweight debut over Sebastian Hernandez, but was made to sweat all the way by his foe at The Ring V: Night of the Samurai.
The Japanese three-weight world champion took a unanimous decision against his opponent in Riyadh, but was pushed close in a often absorbing contest against the Mexican.
Triumph for 'Big Bang' keeps him on track to face Naoya Inoue in a dream homecoming for the pair next year, though many will wonder if he has what it takes to dethrone him.
Nevertheless, the star will take heart from banking crucial rounds in his first contest in a new division, while Hernandez will surely find himself in demand after a fine showing too.
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