Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Nearer to Landmark Japanese Showdown Following Dominant Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish
Universally considered as one of the planet's elite P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in total command from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges confirmed his superiority with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” stated Inoue post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Even while conceding significant height and reach to his opponent, the champion quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and hurtful combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The win arranges a potential historic encounter with compatriot the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the undercard, securing a points victory in his first fight at the super-bantamweight division.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Prospect of a Historic Battle
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for early May at the iconic venue—would feature two unbeaten, 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 biggest fight in the nation's storied boxing history.
