Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited domestic mega-bout by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the world's elite pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten challenger with a combination of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated Inoue post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant physical advantages to his foe, the champion imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding body attacks. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his defensive guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the contest wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a National Spectacle
The triumph arranges a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the same card, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the super-bantamweight division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Historic Fight
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—widely rumored for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest contest in Japan's rich boxing history.
