Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Nearer to Landmark Tokyo Clash After Dominant Victory.
Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic super-fight by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on fight night.
A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish
Universally considered as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten challenger with a combination of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” stated Inoue through a translator. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.”
Despite giving up significant height and reach to his opponent, the champion imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and thudding body attacks. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his defensive guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.
Laying the Groundwork for a National Spectacle
The win arranges a potential blockbuster clash with compatriot the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the same card, securing a unanimous decision in his first fight at the super-bantamweight division.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind without making 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 Battle
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions bout—heavily speculated for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would feature two undefeated, multi-weight champions in their physical primes. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a contender for the most significant contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.
