Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Nearer to Historic Japanese Showdown Following Dominant Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic super-fight by retaining his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Masterful Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's top P4P fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He stifled the once-undefeated Picasso with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” remarked Inoue 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 significant physical advantages to his opponent, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding body attacks. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a National Spectacle
The triumph arranges a possible historic encounter with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the same card, earning a points victory in his debut at the super-bantamweight limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a definite announcement. “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 Prospect of a Generation-Defining Battle
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions fight—heavily speculated for early May at the legendary venue—would feature two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their peak years. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
