Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Closer to Historic Japanese Clash After Dominant Victory.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on fight night.
A Masterful Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's top pound-for-pound boxers, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten challenger with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” remarked Inoue through a translator. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant height and reach to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and hurtful body attacks. He stunned the Mexican midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the contest wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Blockbuster
The win arranges a potential historic encounter with compatriot Junto Nakatani. He also emerged victorious on the same card, earning a points victory in his first fight at the 122-pound division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Potential of a Generation-Defining Fight
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the legendary venue—would feature two undefeated, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This constitutes a unique event in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a contender for the biggest fight in Japan's rich boxing history.
