Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Nearer to Landmark Tokyo Showdown After Dominant 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 Riyadh on Saturday.

A Controlled Performance Over Twelve Rounds

Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a blend of devastating precision, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards confirmed his dominance with wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.

“I could have done better,” remarked the champion through a translator. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.”

Even while conceding considerable 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 consistently broke through his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.

Laying the Groundwork for a National Spectacle

The triumph sets up a possible blockbuster clash with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. He also emerged victorious on the same card, securing a unanimous decision in his first fight at the super-bantamweight limit.

“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”

Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”

The Prospect of a Historic Battle

If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for early May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would pit two undefeated, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a contender for the biggest contest in the nation's storied boxing history.