The Japanese champion Takes a Step Nearer to Landmark Japanese Clash After Commanding Win.
Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by retaining his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Controlled Display from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the world's elite P4P boxers, "The Monster" was in total command from the first round. He stifled the previously unbeaten challenger with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards confirmed his dominance with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” stated the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Even while conceding significant height and reach to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the fight wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Spectacle
The win arranges a possible historic encounter with compatriot Junto Nakatani. He also emerged victorious on the same card, earning a unanimous decision in his debut at the super-bantamweight division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion echoed the interest while stopping short of a firm commitment. “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 Historic Fight
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—heavily speculated for early May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest fight in the nation's storied boxing history.
