Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the world's top P4P boxers, "The Monster" was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the once-undefeated challenger with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards confirmed his dominance with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” remarked the champion 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, Inoue quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The triumph arranges a potential historic encounter with compatriot the rising star. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” declared Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Potential of a Historic Battle
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the legendary venue—would pit two unbeaten, multi-weight titleholders in their physical primes. This constitutes a unique event in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest fight in Japan's rich boxing history.
