Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Nearer to Landmark Japanese Clash After Commanding Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound fighters, "The Monster" was in total command from the first round. He neutralized the once-undefeated challenger with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” remarked Inoue through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Despite giving up considerable physical advantages to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and hurtful combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest progressed.
Setting the Stage for a National Blockbuster
The win arranges a possible blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. He scored his own win on the same card, securing a points victory in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared 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 noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Historic Battle
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions fight—heavily speculated for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their peak years. This represents a unique event in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a candidate to be the most significant fight in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
