The Japanese champion Moves a Step Closer to Landmark Tokyo Showdown Following Dominant Win.
Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Masterful Display from Start to Finish
Universally considered as one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated challenger with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” remarked the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Even while conceding considerable height and reach to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and thudding body attacks. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The triumph sets up a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. He scored his own win on the same card, earning a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
Inoue echoed the interest while stopping short of a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he noted. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Potential of a Historic Fight
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions bout—widely rumored for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This constitutes a unique event in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a candidate to be the biggest contest in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
