Naoya Inoue Moves a Stride Nearer to Landmark Japanese Clash Following Dominant Win.

Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited domestic mega-bout by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on Saturday.

A Controlled Display Over Twelve Rounds

Universally considered as one of the planet's top P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in total command from the first round. He stifled the previously unbeaten challenger with a combination of devastating precision, blistering speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.

“I could have done better,” stated the champion through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”

Even while conceding considerable physical advantages to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He stunned Picasso midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the fight progressed.

Setting the Stage for a National Spectacle

The triumph sets up a potential blockbuster clash with compatriot the rising star. Nakatani also emerged victorious on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.

“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” declared the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”

The champion responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “Plans for next year will be made in due course. The fans can look forward to something special.”

The Potential of a Generation-Defining Battle

Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic venue—would feature two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their peak years. This represents a rarity in modern boxing and is considered by experts as a candidate to be the biggest contest in Japan's rich pugilistic heritage.