The Japanese champion Moves a Stride Closer to Historic Tokyo Clash After Dominant Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Masterful Display Over Twelve Rounds
Universally considered as one of the world's top P4P fighters, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his dominance with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.
“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated Inoue through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”
Despite giving up significant physical advantages to his opponent, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He stunned Picasso midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the fight progressed.
Setting the Stage for a Domestic Blockbuster
The win sets up a possible historic encounter with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. He scored his own win on the undercard, securing a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” declared Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
Inoue responded in kind without making a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “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—widely rumored for early May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-weight champions in their physical primes. This represents a unique event in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the biggest fight in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.
