Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Nearer to Historic Tokyo Showdown Following Commanding Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a long-awaited domestic super-fight by retaining his championship belts with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He stifled the previously unbeaten Picasso with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges reflected his superiority with wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated Inoue post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant height and reach to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a National Blockbuster
The win arranges a potential blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani 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,” said the undefeated contender. “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. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Historic Battle
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the legendary venue—would feature two undefeated, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant fight in Japan's rich boxing history.
