Naoya Inoue Takes a Stride Nearer to Landmark Tokyo Clash After Commanding Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese mega-bout by retaining his championship belts with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Controlled Performance from Start to Finish
Universally considered as one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the first round. He stifled the once-undefeated challenger with a combination of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards reflected his superiority with wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated Inoue 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, the champion quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and thudding body attacks. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his defensive guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The win arranges a possible blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, securing a unanimous decision in his debut 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.”
Inoue echoed the interest while stopping short of a definite announcement. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he commented. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Fight
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their peak years. This represents a rarity in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest fight in Japan's rich boxing history.
