The Japanese champion Moves a Step Closer to Historic Japanese Clash Following Dominant Win.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese super-fight by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards reflected his dominance with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated Inoue through a translator. “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 opponent, the champion quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding body attacks. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Spectacle
The triumph arranges a possible blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, earning a points victory in his debut at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Historic Fight
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic venue—would feature two undefeated, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in Japan's rich boxing history.
