Inoue's artistry too much for Picasso as Japanese superfight with Nakatani looms

Victory in Riyadh marked Inoue’s sixth successful defense of his undisputed crown at 122lb and all but locks in a Tokyo showdown with countryman Junto Nakatani is 

SHARP FISTS: Naoya Inoue punches David Picasso during the IBF, WBC and WBO World Super Bantamweight title fight between Naoya Inoue and David Picasso during the Ring V: Night Of The Samurai fight night at Mohammed Abdo Arena on December 27, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Naoya Inoue moved a step closer to the biggest bout in Japanese boxing history after outclassing Alan Picasso by unanimous decision in Riyadh on Saturday, retaining his undisputed super-bantamweight titles and clearing the runway for a long-anticipated showdown with countryman Junto Nakatani.

Inoue, widely regarded as one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world alongside Oleksandr Usyk and the recently retired Terence Crawford, was in control from the opening bell at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, neutralizing the previously unbeaten Mexican challenger with precision, speed and sustained pressure over 12 rounds. The judges scored the contest 120-108, 119-109 and 117-111 in favor of the 32-year-old champion.