The Japanese champion Takes a Step Nearer to Historic Tokyo Showdown After Commanding Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a long-awaited domestic super-fight by retaining his championship belts with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
A Masterful Performance Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the world's elite P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in total command from the first round. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges reflected his superiority with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“I could have done better,” stated the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Even while conceding considerable height and reach to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with sharp counterpunching and hurtful body attacks. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the fight progressed.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Spectacle
The win sets up a possible historic encounter with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the undercard, securing a points victory in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion echoed the interest while stopping short of a definite announcement. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” 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 3 May at the legendary venue—would feature two unbeaten, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a candidate to be the biggest fight in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.
