Naoya Inoue Takes a Stride Closer to Historic Japanese Clash Following Dominant Victory.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path 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 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 first round. He stifled the previously unbeaten challenger with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards reflected his dominance with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated the champion 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 physical advantages to his opponent, the champion imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned the Mexican in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the contest progressed.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Blockbuster
The triumph sets up a potential blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. He scored his own win on the same card, earning a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “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 clash between the two champions fight—widely rumored for 3 May at the iconic venue—would feature two unbeaten, multi-weight titleholders in their physical primes. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a contender for the most significant fight in the nation's storied boxing history.
