Naoya Inoue Moves a Stride Closer to Landmark Japanese Showdown After Commanding Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Controlled Performance from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the world's elite pound-for-pound boxers, "The Monster" was in total command from the opening bell. He stifled the once-undefeated challenger with a combination of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” remarked Inoue post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Even while conceding considerable physical advantages to his foe, the champion imposed his will with crisp counters and hurtful combinations to the body. He stunned the Mexican midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a National Blockbuster
The triumph arranges a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the undercard, earning a points victory in his first fight at the super-bantamweight limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion responded in kind without making 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 Fight
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for 3 May at the iconic venue—would feature two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a contender for the biggest contest in the nation's storied boxing history.
