Naoya Inoue Moves a Stride Closer to Landmark Japanese Clash After Dominant Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese mega-bout by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on fight night.
A Masterful Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the world's elite P4P boxers, "The Monster" was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” stated Inoue through a translator. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Even while conceding significant height and reach to his opponent, the champion quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He wobbled the Mexican midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his defensive guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The win arranges a possible blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the same card, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” declared the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
Inoue responded in kind without making a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Potential of a Historic Fight
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for 3 May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would pit two undefeated, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in Japan's rich boxing history.
