The Japanese champion Takes a Step Nearer to Historic Japanese Showdown After Dominant Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a long-awaited all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on fight night.
A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish
Universally considered as one of the world's top P4P fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated challenger with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges confirmed his dominance with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” stated the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Despite giving up considerable height and reach to his opponent, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned the Mexican in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the fight wore on.
Setting the Stage for a National Spectacle
The win arranges a potential blockbuster clash with compatriot the rising star. He scored his own win on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion echoed the interest while stopping short of a definite announcement. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Potential of a Generation-Defining Fight
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for early May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-division titleholders in their physical primes. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant fight in Japan's rich boxing history.