Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Nearer to Landmark Tokyo Clash After Dominant Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on fight night.
A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the world's top pound-for-pound boxers, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his dominance with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated Inoue post-fight. “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, the champion quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and hurtful combinations to the body. He stunned the Mexican midway through the bout and consistently broke through his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Blockbuster
The win arranges a potential blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the undercard, securing a points victory in his debut at the 122-pound division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue echoed the interest without making a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Fight
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions fight—widely rumored for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—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 candidate to be the biggest contest in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.