The Japanese champion Takes a Step Nearer to Landmark Tokyo Clash Following Dominant Win.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king cleared the path for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on Saturday.
A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds
Widely regarded as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound boxers, "The Monster" was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten Picasso with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges reflected 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 considerable height and reach to his opponent, Inoue quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and hurtful combinations to the body. He wobbled the Mexican midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the fight progressed.
Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Spectacle
The win sets up a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. He scored his own win on the undercard, earning a points victory in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.
“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” said the undefeated contender. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”
The champion 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. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Prospect of a Historic Battle
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This represents a unique event in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a contender for the most significant fight in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.
