Naoya Inoue Moves a Stride Closer to Historic Tokyo Showdown After Dominant Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Controlled Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the planet's elite P4P fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” remarked the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant physical advantages to his opponent, the champion imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a National Spectacle
The triumph sets up a possible blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, securing a points victory in his debut at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “For next year, we will decide what happens. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Battle
If finalized, an clash between the two champions bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the legendary venue—would feature two undefeated, multi-weight champions in their peak years. This represents a rarity in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in Japan's rich boxing history.
