The Japanese champion Moves a Step Closer to Landmark Japanese Showdown After Dominant Victory.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese mega-bout by retaining his championship belts with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the world's elite pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated challenger with a combination of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges confirmed his superiority with wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated the champion through a translator. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Despite giving up considerable height and reach to his foe, the champion quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a National Blockbuster
The win arranges a possible historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. He scored his own win on the undercard, securing a unanimous decision in his debut at the super-bantamweight limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue echoed the interest without making a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Historic Fight
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two undefeated, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant fight in Japan's rich boxing history.
