Japanese boxing superstar Naoya Inoue has moved one step closer to a historic domestic showdown after successfully defending his undisputed super-bantamweight world titles with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Mexico's Alan Picasso in Riyadh.
Dominant Display from 'The Monster'
The fight, which headlined a major card in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, saw Inoue improve his perfect professional record to 32 wins and 0 losses, with 27 of those victories coming by way of knockout. While a stoppage eluded him on this occasion, the champion's supremacy was never in doubt across the twelve-round contest at the Mohammed Abdo Arena.
Facing a taller, longer opponent in the previously unbeaten Picasso, Inoue quickly imposed his will. He utilised razor-sharp counterpunching and punishing body shots to control the pace and distance. By the middle rounds, the 32-year-old 'Monster' had visibly wobbled the brave Mexican challenger, whose primary objective became survival as he retreated into a defensive shell.
All three judges scored the fight widely for Inoue, with cards reading 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111. The win marked his sixth successful defence of the undisputed crown he holds at 122 pounds.
Path Cleared for Tokyo Super-Fight
The victory sets the stage for what could be the most significant fight in Japanese boxing history. On the same Riyadh undercard, fellow countryman Junto Nakatani also triumphed, winning a unanimous decision in his debut at super-bantamweight to move his own record to a perfect 32-0 (24 KOs).
Nakatani, a 27-year-old former champion in lower weight classes, immediately called for a shot at Inoue's titles. "I moved up to this division to win world titles," Nakatani stated post-fight. "If I get that chance, I want to take it."
Inoue responded in kind, hinting at a colossal 2025 meeting. "Both of us had very good wins tonight," Inoue said through a translator. "For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good." The bout is widely rumoured to be targeted for 3 May at the Tokyo Dome.
A Rare Clash of Titans
A fight between Inoue and Nakatani represents a rarity in modern boxing: two undefeated, multi-division champions in their absolute primes choosing to face one another. Inoue is already considered a pound-for-pound great alongside figures like Oleksandr Usyk, while Nakatani is a rising force.
Despite his dominant win, Inoue was critical of his own performance. "This performance wasn't good enough," he admitted. "I could have done better. I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time." His next time in the ring could very well be against Nakatani, in a contest that promises to captivate the sporting world.
