Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Closer to Landmark Japanese Showdown Following Commanding Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on fight night.
A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite P4P fighters, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his dominance with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” remarked the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Even while conceding significant physical advantages to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his defensive guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The triumph sets up a potential blockbuster clash with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. He scored his own win on the undercard, securing a points victory in his debut at the 122-pound division.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “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 Prospect of a Historic Battle
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—widely rumored for early May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would feature two undefeated, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest contest in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
