Naoya Inoue Takes a Stride Nearer to Landmark Japanese Clash Following Commanding Victory.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Masterful Display Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the world's elite pound-for-pound boxers, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He stifled the previously unbeaten challenger with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated the champion post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Even while conceding considerable height and reach to his foe, the champion imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and thudding body attacks. He stunned Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The win arranges a potential blockbuster clash with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. He also emerged victorious on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Historic Battle
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-division titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest fight in the nation's storied boxing history.
