Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Nearer to Historic Tokyo Clash Following Commanding Victory.

Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic super-fight by retaining his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish

Universally considered as one of the planet's elite P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the opening bell. He stifled the previously unbeaten Picasso with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards reflected his dominance with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.

“I could have done better,” 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 quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and hurtful combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest progressed.

Setting the Stage for a National Blockbuster

The win arranges a possible blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. He also emerged victorious on the undercard, earning a points victory in his debut at the super-bantamweight division.

“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 firm commitment. “We both performed well this evening,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”

The Potential of a Historic Fight

If finalized, an clash between the two champions bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This represents a unique event in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in the nation's storied boxing history.