TOKYO (Kyodo) -- WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani said Tuesday he plans to raise his international profile with an eye-catching title defense against Mexico's David Cuellar on Feb. 24 in Tokyo.

The 27-year-old Japanese boxer was upbeat when speaking to reporters at Tokyo's Haneda airport before boarding a flight for the United States, where he will hold his training camp for the bout.

"I have hard training ahead of me, so I'm feeling the nerves," Nakatani said. "This year, I want to fight in a way that makes me known around the world."

Both Nakatani and sixth-ranked challenger Cuellar are undefeated heading into their showdown at Ariake Arena. Nakatani has earned 22 of his 29 victories by knockout, including his three most recent bouts, while the 23-year-old Cuellar has 28 wins and 18 KOs.

Nakatani will spend around a month in camp, with the focus on sparring and increasing his power.

"While studying footage of my opponent, I want to make my timing more precise," he said.