Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Closer to Landmark Tokyo Showdown After Commanding Win.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a unanimous decision over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Masterful Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the world's top P4P fighters, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He stifled the once-undefeated Picasso with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated the champion post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Even while conceding considerable height and reach to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and hurtful combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the fight wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a National Blockbuster
The win arranges a possible historic encounter with compatriot the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the same card, securing a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
Inoue responded in kind without making a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Battle
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their peak years. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a contender for the biggest contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.