Naoya Inoue Takes a Stride Closer to Historic Tokyo Showdown After Dominant Victory.

The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated all-Japanese mega-bout by successfully defending his championship belts with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on fight night.

A Masterful Display from Start to Finish

Universally considered as one of the world's top P4P fighters, Inoue was in total command from the opening bell. He stifled the once-undefeated challenger with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges reflected his superiority with wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.

“This performance wasn't good enough,” remarked Inoue post-fight. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”

Despite giving up significant height and reach to his opponent, the champion imposed his will with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and repeatedly pierced his defensive guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the fight progressed.

Setting the Stage for a Domestic Spectacle

The win sets up a potential blockbuster clash with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani scored his own win on the same card, earning a unanimous decision 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.”

Inoue responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “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 Fight

Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—heavily speculated for early May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-weight champions in their peak years. This constitutes a rarity in today's sport and is considered by experts as a candidate to be the biggest contest in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.