Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Closer to Landmark Tokyo Clash Following Dominant Win.
Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Controlled Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the first round. He stifled the once-undefeated Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated the champion post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant height and reach to his foe, the champion quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and hurtful combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the fight progressed.
Laying the Groundwork for a National Blockbuster
The win arranges a possible blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the same card, securing a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “We both performed well this evening,” he noted. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Fight
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions fight—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two undefeated, multi-weight champions in their physical primes. 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 boxing history.
