Japan’s Junto Nakatani (R) reacts as he knocks down the Philippines’ Vincent Astrolabio during their WBC bantamweight title boxing match at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on July 20, 2024. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—Vincent Astrolabio will have to work his way back in hopes of earning another shot at a world title.
Astrolabio’s quest to become a world champion ended in devastating fashion on Saturday night after a first-round stoppage at the hands of Japan’s power-punching southpaw Junto Nakatani at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
A body shot by Nakatani sent Astrolabio crumbling in pain. The General Santos City native tried to beat the count but just couldn’t muster enough strength to continue.
READ: Astrolabio set to challenge Nakatani for WBC bantamweight title
DONE IN ROUND 1️⃣#NakataniAstrolabio | @BoxerJunto pic.twitter.com/6uQ891CHm2
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 20, 2024
The 26-year-old Nakatani, a three-division champion, hiked his unbeaten record to 28-0 with 21 knockouts after a successful first title defense of his WBC bantamweight belt, which he won by disposing of Alexandro Santiago in six rounds five months ago.
Nakatani’s quick win also solidified his status as a top 10 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Astrolabio, meanwhile, lost his second crack at a major strap. His first attempt resulted in a majority decision loss to Australia’s Jason Moloney in May 2023.
READ: Astrolabio’s first world title shot ends in defeat to Jason Moloney
His record fell to 19-5 with 14KOs after being dealt his second loss in three fights. He was the seventh Filipino to lose to Nakatani.
The 27-year-old Astrolabio became the mandatory challenger for the WBC title after scoring an 11th-round stoppage of Thailand’s Nawaphon Kaikanha last year in Bangkok.