Ryuji Nakata will undergo surgery to repair a fracture in his left orbital floor, an injury he sustained during his WBC super bantamweight title unification bout against Naoya Inoue earlier this month. According to overseas media reports, Nakata’s recovery is expected to take three to four months.
The fight, held on May 2 at the Tokyo Dome, saw Nakata lose by unanimous decision to the undisputed champion Inoue in a grueling 11-round battle. During the contest, Nakata absorbed a powerful right uppercut from Inoue that caused visible swelling and bleeding around his left eye. Initially, hospital checks showed no signs of a fracture, but an MRI taken the following day revealed the broken orbital bone.
Nakata, who suffered his first professional loss in 33 fights, has since been advised to undergo corrective surgery as soon as possible. The procedure is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, with the boxer expected to be sidelined for at least three to four months before returning to full training.
Despite the defeat, Nakata’s performance earned him widespread praise for his toughness and determination. Inoue himself acknowledged Nakata’s strength, calling him a “first-class” fighter. The Japanese star will now focus on his recovery before plotting a return to the ring later this year.
