The Japanese champion Moves a Stride Closer to Landmark Japanese Showdown Following Commanding Victory.
The undisputed super-bantamweight king paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic super-fight by successfully defending his championship belts with a unanimous decision over Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia on fight night.
A Masterful Display from Start to Finish
Widely regarded as one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the opening bell. He neutralized the previously unbeaten challenger with a combination of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The official judges confirmed his dominance with lopsided 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 considerable height and reach to his foe, the champion imposed his will with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He wobbled the Mexican 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 National Spectacle
The win arranges a possible historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the undercard, securing 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. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”
The champion echoed the interest while stopping short of a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he commented. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”
The Potential of a Historic Fight
Should it be made, an clash between the two champions fight—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their physical primes. This constitutes a unique event in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a contender for the biggest fight in the nation's storied boxing history.
