The Japanese champion Moves a Step Closer to Landmark Tokyo Clash After Dominant Victory.
Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Masterful Display Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the world's elite P4P boxers, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his dominance with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” remarked the champion post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant height and reach to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding body attacks. He wobbled the Mexican midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the contest wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Blockbuster
The triumph arranges a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious 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,” declared 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 Historic Fight
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would feature two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their physical primes. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest contest in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
