The Japanese champion Moves a Step Closer to Landmark Tokyo Showdown After Dominant Victory.

Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a long-awaited all-Japanese super-fight by retaining his championship belts with a unanimous decision over Alan Picasso in Riyadh on Saturday.

A Masterful Performance Over Twelve Rounds

Widely regarded as one of the planet's top pound-for-pound fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the first round. He stifled the once-undefeated challenger with a blend of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges reflected his superiority with lopsided scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111.

“This performance wasn't good enough,” stated the champion post-fight. “I'm glad I won, but I'm really tired. I'll rest and be much better next time.”

Despite giving up significant height and reach to his foe, Inoue imposed his will with crisp counters and hurtful body attacks. He wobbled the Mexican midway through the bout and consistently broke through his defensive guard, forcing him into a largely defensive posture as the contest progressed.

Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Blockbuster

The triumph sets up a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. He scored his own win on the same card, earning a points victory in his debut at the 122-pound limit.

“My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” declared the undefeated contender. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.”

Inoue responded in kind without making 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 Generation-Defining Fight

If finalized, an Inoue–Nakatani fight—widely rumored for 3 May at the iconic Tokyo Dome—would feature two unbeaten, multi-weight champions in their peak years. This constitutes a rarity in today's sport and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant fight in the nation's storied pugilistic heritage.