Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Nearer to Landmark Tokyo Showdown After Commanding Win.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's top P4P boxers, "The Monster" was in total command from the first round. He stifled the once-undefeated challenger with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated the champion post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Even while conceding considerable physical advantages to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned 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 Domestic Spectacle
The triumph arranges a potential blockbuster clash with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, securing a points victory in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” declared the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
Inoue echoed the interest without making a definite announcement. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he commented. “For next year, we will decide what happens. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Potential of a Generation-Defining Battle
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions fight—widely rumored for 3 May at the iconic 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 contest in Japan's rich boxing history.
