Naoya Inoue Takes a Stride Closer to Historic Japanese Showdown After Dominant Win.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a unanimous decision over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on fight night.
A Masterful Display from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound boxers, "The Monster" was in complete control from the first round. He stifled the previously unbeaten challenger with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his dominance with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated Inoue post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up considerable height and reach to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding body attacks. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a National Spectacle
The triumph sets up a potential blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. He scored his own win on the undercard, securing a points victory in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Potential of a Generation-Defining Battle
If finalized, an clash between the two champions fight—widely rumored for 3 May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would feature two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their physical primes. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a candidate to be the biggest fight in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.
