Naoya Inoue Moves a Step Closer to Historic Japanese Showdown Following Commanding Win.

Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on fight night.

A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds

Widely regarded as one of the world's elite P4P fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a blend 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,” remarked the champion post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.”

Even while conceding significant physical advantages to his opponent, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, compelling him into a survival mode as the contest wore on.

Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Blockbuster

The triumph sets up a possible blockbuster clash with compatriot the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.

“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”

Inoue responded in kind without making a firm commitment. “We both performed well this evening,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. The fans can look forward to something special.”

The Prospect of a Historic Battle

If finalized, an clash between the two champions bout—widely rumored for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their peak years. This represents a unique event in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a candidate to be the most significant contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.