Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Nearer to Landmark Tokyo Showdown After Commanding Win.

The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese mega-bout by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on fight night.

A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds

Widely regarded as one of the planet's top P4P boxers, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten challenger with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards reflected his dominance with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.

“This performance wasn't good enough,” remarked the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”

Despite giving up considerable physical advantages to his opponent, Inoue quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned the Mexican in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the fight progressed.

Laying the Groundwork for a National Spectacle

The triumph sets up a possible historic encounter with compatriot the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the undercard, securing a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound division.

“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”

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

The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Fight

If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—widely rumored for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a contender for the most significant contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.