🔗 Share this article Naoya Inoue Takes a Stride Closer to Historic Tokyo Clash Following Dominant Victory. Naoya Inoue 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 fight night. A Controlled Performance Over Twelve Rounds Universally considered as one of the planet's elite pound-for-pound boxers, "The Monster" was in total command from the opening bell. He stifled the once-undefeated Picasso with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The scorecards reflected his superiority with wide scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111. “I could have done better,” stated the champion post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.” Even while conceding considerable height and reach to his foe, Inoue quickly asserted himself with crisp counters and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, compelling him into a largely defensive posture as the contest progressed. Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Spectacle The win sets up a possible historic encounter with compatriot Junto Nakatani. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his first fight at the 122-pound limit. “My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.” Inoue echoed the interest while stopping short of a definite announcement. “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 bout—widely rumored for 3 May at the legendary Tokyo Dome—would pit two unbeaten, multi-division champions in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a contender for the most significant fight in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.