Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue secured a unanimous decision victory over Alan David Picasso on March 18, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This win positions Inoue for a highly anticipated showdown with fellow Japanese boxer Junto Nakatani in 2026, a clash that analysts predict could be the most significant fight in Japanese boxing history.
Inoue, known as “The Monster,” dominated the match against Picasso, winning with scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111. His victory further solidifies his claim as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers worldwide. Following the fight, Inoue expressed optimism about a potential matchup with Nakatani, stating, “Both of us had a very good win tonight… for the Japanese fans, you can expect something very good.”
Nakatani, a three-weight world champion, also showcased his skills on the same card, defeating Sebastian Hernandez Reyes by unanimous decision with scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 118-110. This victory marked Nakatani’s debut in the super bantamweight division after vacating his two bantamweight titles.
The significance of this potential matchup between Inoue and Nakatani cannot be overstated. Both fighters remain undefeated, with Inoue holding a record of 32 wins, including 27 knockouts, while Nakatani boasts a record of 32 wins, with 24 knockouts. Their upcoming rivalry promises to draw considerable interest, not only in Japan but around the globe.
At the event, Inoue received accolades from Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, adding to the excitement surrounding his performance. Inoue’s continued success in the ring raises questions about the possibility of additional high-profile bouts, including a potential fight with super flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, should Rodriguez move up to super bantamweight.
As the boxing world anticipates this thrilling clash, fans are eagerly awaiting the matchup that could define a generation of Japanese boxing talent.
