Estrada Targets Nasukawa in Tokyo Eliminator, Eyes WBC Bantamweight Title

Tokyo Eliminator route

Estrada bounced back last June with a 10-round decision over Karim Arce Lugo at bantamweight, a fight that served as re-entry rather than proof of dominance. The fight re-introduced him to the weight class after his 2024 knockout loss to Jesse Rodriguez, but it didn’t establish him as the clear cut-throat contender at 118. The WBC rankings did it.

Nasukawa remains known more for his kickboxing career than for a deep boxing record, although he has fully committed himself to the sport and has already challenged for a world title. He is younger and faster than Estrada, and in Japan he signs, making this event locally significant. What he hasn’t shown yet is sustained success against seasoned championship operators.

Takuma Inoue holds the WBC belt, and while he is organized and consistent in the ring, he has never separated himself as a dominant force in the division. His loss to Nordine Oubaali remains part of the picture, and his reign has left no doubt about how he handles sustained pressure from experienced fighters.

Test what remains

For Estrada, the opportunity is clear. A win in Japan puts him directly in line for a title shot against a champion many consider beatable. The move reflects timing and careful positioning late in his career.

The question now is whether the fighter who assaulted Roman Gonzalez in 2021 still exists enough to carry him through another significant run. April will provide a clearer answer than any ranking ever could.