The Japanese champion Moves a Step Closer to Historic Japanese Showdown After Dominant Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” remarked Inoue through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Even while conceding significant physical advantages to his foe, the champion quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the fight wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a National Blockbuster
The win sets up a possible historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the same card, earning a points victory in his debut at the super-bantamweight limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” declared the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion echoed the interest while stopping short of a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “For next year, we will decide what happens. The fans can look forward to something special.”
The Prospect of a Historic Fight
Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for 3 May at the iconic venue—would pit two unbeaten, 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 the nation's storied boxing history.
