Naoya Inoue Moves a Stride Closer to Landmark Japanese Clash After Dominant Win.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Controlled Performance from Start to Finish
Universally considered as one of the planet's top pound-for-pound boxers, "The Monster" was in total command 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.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” remarked the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up considerable physical advantages to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned the Mexican in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The triumph arranges a possible blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
Inoue echoed the interest without making 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 Potential of a Historic Fight
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for early May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would feature two undefeated, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a candidate to be the biggest contest in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
