Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue won a unanimous decision against Alan David Picasso on December 2, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated match against fellow Japanese boxer Junto Nakatani, who also secured a win against Sebastian Hernandez Reyes on the same night. The prospect of a showdown between Inoue and Nakatani has generated excitement, with many considering it a potential landmark event in Japanese boxing history, scheduled for 2026.
Inoue, known as “The Monster,” showcased his dominance in the ring by defeating Picasso with scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 117-111. With this victory, Inoue maintains his perfect record of 32-0 with 27 KOs. His performance reinforces his claim to being one of the best pound-for-pound boxers globally. After the fight, he received congratulations from Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, further highlighting Inoue’s prominent standing in the sport.
Meanwhile, Nakatani enhanced his reputation in his new weight class by overcoming Hernandez Reyes with scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 118-110. The 27-year-old Nakatani, who previously held two bantamweight titles, moved up from 118 lbs to 122 lbs, marking a significant transition in his career. His record now stands at 32-0 with 24 KOs, and he is eager to prove himself in the super bantamweight division.
The excitement surrounding the potential fight between Inoue and Nakatani is palpable among boxing fans. Inoue expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Both of us had a very good win tonight. We will have to wait and see. But for the Japanese fans, you can expect something very good.” The anticipation for this super fight is growing, and many believe it could be a defining moment for Japanese boxing.
Inoue also hinted at the possibility of a future bout with super flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, should Rodriguez decide to step up to the super bantamweight category. This prospect adds another layer of intrigue to Inoue’s career trajectory.
As both fighters continue to build their legacies, their victories in Riyadh have set the stage for what could become one of the most significant matchups in boxing history. Fans will be closely watching their paths as they head towards what promises to be an electrifying encounter in the coming years.
