Naoya Inoue dominates David Picasso to set up 2025 super fight

Naoya Inoue defeats David Picasso comfortably

The Undisputed Super Bantamweight Champion, Japan’s Naoya Inoue, out-fought Mexican Alan David Picasso Romero with a ruthlessly elegant display, to retain his 122-pound titles, topping the bill in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 27.

Widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, the 32-year-old Inoue showcased his ring IQ, hand speed, and precise combinations over 12 dominant rounds.

The 25-year-old WBC Silver champion Picasso was unable to neutralise Inoue’s speed or confound and deflect his body work, but had his moments, didn’t buckle and put on a solid performance, proving he can continue to improve as well as evolve. He took more than he gave, but showed ingenuity, resourcefulness, toughness and bravery.

The judges scored the fight 119-109, 120-108, and 117-111 in favour of the champion.

With this win, Inoue elevates his record to 32-0 (27 KOs) and secures his fourth victory of a prolific 2025, having previously defeated Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Ramón Cárdenas, and Ye Joon Kim. Picasso suffered the first defeat of his career, moving to 32-1-1.

Inoue’s victory sets the stage for a potential 2026 Monster vs Big Bang mega-clash against his compatriot, Junto Nakatani, who won his fight on the same card.

Undefeated Japanese former world champion, Junto Nakatani, made his super bantamweight debut by securing a narrow hard fought unanimous decision victory over the gritty tough as nails Mexican fighter Sebastián Hernández this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Nakatani, who finished the bout with a swollen right eye, won the fight with two scorecards of 115-113, while a third card of 118-110 sparked surprise and criticism due to its wide margin. Hernández applied pressure throughout the twelve rounds, throwing high volume and forcing Nakatani to fight on the inside for long stretches of the bout.

Nakatani started strong, utilizing his reach, footwork, and uppercut to establish an early lead. However, from the midpoint of the fight onward, Hernández managed to close the distance and force constant exchanges, turning the bout into a physically gruelling battle.

Following the announcement of the decision, Nakatani praised his opponent’s effort, “I am very grateful for this opportunity. It was a great fight. He is a very tough fighter, and this has been a great learning experience for me,” the Japanese fighter declared.

With this victory, Nakatani improves his record to 32-0, 24 Kos (24 KOs) and keeps the door open for a mega showdown with Naoya Inoue.