Naoya Inoue Moves a Stride Closer to Landmark Japanese Clash Following Commanding Win.

Naoya Inoue paved the way for a long-awaited all-Japanese mega-bout by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on fight night.

A Controlled Performance from Start to Finish

Universally considered as one of the world's top P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in total command from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.

“I could have done better,” stated the champion post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”

Despite giving up significant height and reach to his opponent, the champion imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the fight wore on.

Laying the Groundwork for a National Blockbuster

The win arranges a possible historic encounter with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. He also emerged victorious 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,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”

Inoue responded in kind 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 Historic Battle

Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—widely rumored for early May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their peak years. This represents a unique event in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a contender for the biggest contest in the nation's storied boxing history.