Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Nearer to Landmark Japanese Showdown After Commanding Win.
Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic super-fight by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on fight night.
A Masterful Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's top pound-for-pound boxers, "The Monster" was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards reflected his superiority with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” remarked the champion post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Despite giving up significant height and reach to his opponent, Inoue imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and hurtful combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the contest progressed.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Spectacle
The triumph sets up a possible blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani scored his own win on the same card, earning a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “We both performed well this evening,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Potential of a Historic Battle
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—widely rumored for early May at the iconic venue—would pit two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their physical primes. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a candidate to be the biggest fight in the nation's storied boxing history.
