🔗 Share this article The Japanese champion Moves a Step Nearer to Historic Tokyo Showdown After Dominant Win. Naoya Inoue paved the way for a highly-anticipated domestic mega-bout by retaining his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision over the Mexican challenger in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. A Controlled Performance from Start to Finish Widely regarded as one of the world's elite pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the previously unbeaten challenger with a blend of pinpoint accuracy, lightning hand speed, and sustained aggression. The official judges reflected his dominance with lopsided scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108. “This performance wasn't good enough,” stated Inoue through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.” Despite giving up considerable physical advantages to his opponent, the champion imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and thudding combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso in the middle rounds and consistently broke through his guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest progressed. Setting the Stage for a Domestic Spectacle The win arranges a potential blockbuster clash with fellow countryman Junto Nakatani. He also emerged victorious on the undercard, earning a unanimous decision in his debut at the 122-pound limit. “My goal in this weight class is to become champion,” said Nakatani. “If I get that chance, I want to take it.” Inoue responded in kind while stopping short of a firm commitment. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “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 Inoue–Nakatani bout—heavily speculated for 3 May at the iconic venue—would feature two unbeaten, multi-weight titleholders in their peak years. This constitutes a unique event in today's sport and is considered by experts as a contender for the biggest fight in the nation's storied boxing history.