Naoya Inoue Takes a Stride Nearer to Historic Japanese Clash After Dominant Win.
Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on fight night.
A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in total command from the first round. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards reflected his dominance with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated 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 considerable physical advantages to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and hurtful combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Spectacle
The win arranges a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, securing a points victory in his debut at the super-bantamweight limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion responded in kind while stopping short of a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Potential of a Generation-Defining Battle
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for 3 May at the legendary venue—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division titleholders in their physical primes. This constitutes a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant fight in Japan's rich boxing history.
