Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Closer to Historic Japanese Showdown Following Commanding Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a long-awaited domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the planet's elite P4P fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards confirmed his dominance 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 significant height and reach to his foe, the champion imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest progressed.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Spectacle
The win sets up a potential blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, securing a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion responded in kind while stopping short of a definite announcement. “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 Potential of a Historic Battle
If finalized, an clash between the two champions fight—heavily speculated for early May at the iconic venue—would pit two undefeated, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This represents a rarity in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.
