Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Closer to Historic Japanese Clash Following Commanding Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese mega-bout by successfully defending his championship belts with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the world's elite pound-for-pound boxers, Inoue was in total command from the first round. He neutralized the once-undefeated challenger with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards confirmed his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.
“I could have done better,” stated Inoue through a translator. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant height and reach to his opponent, the champion quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the contest wore on.
Setting the Stage for a National Blockbuster
The triumph sets up a possible historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the same card, earning a points victory in his debut at the 122-pound division.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “We both performed well this evening,” he commented. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Potential of a Historic Battle
If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—heavily speculated for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would feature two undefeated, multi-division titleholders in their physical primes. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.
