Naoya Inoue Moves a Stride Closer to Landmark Tokyo Showdown After Dominant Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by retaining his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Controlled Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the planet's elite P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in total command from the first round. He stifled the previously unbeaten challenger with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” remarked the champion post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up considerable height and reach to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He stunned Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest progressed.
Laying the Groundwork for a National Blockbuster
The triumph arranges a possible blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. He scored his own win on the same card, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Battle
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—widely rumored for 3 May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would pit two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their peak years. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.
