Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super-bantamweight champion, secured a unanimous decision victory over Alan Picasso of Mexico on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Mohammed Abdo Arena. The win extends Inoue’s undefeated record to 32-0, with 27 knockouts, and keeps him on track for a highly anticipated bout against fellow Japanese fighter Junto Nakatani. This fight was the final major boxing event of the year, drawing international attention to the growing boxing scene in Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old Inoue successfully defended his titles for the sixth time, demonstrating his dominance in the super-bantamweight division. While he controlled much of the fight, Picasso proved a resilient opponent, lasting the full 12 rounds. This marks the second consecutive fight where Inoue has gone the distance, a departure from his typically knockout-heavy performances.
Naoya Inoue Continues Reign with Strategic Win
Inoue entered the ring as a significant favorite, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. He faced a height disadvantage of 8cm against the equally undefeated Picasso, who boasted a 32-0-1 record. However, Inoue’s superior technique and power were evident from the opening bell, consistently landing impactful shots.
The fight saw Inoue establish control early, utilizing his speed and precision to trouble Picasso. He landed a series of hard punches in the initial rounds, showcasing the skills that have earned him the moniker “Monster.” Despite the early pressure, Picasso remained composed and absorbed the punishment.
The sixth round saw Inoue briefly wobble Picasso with a powerful combination, but the Mexican fighter showed remarkable recovery and began to mount a more sustained offense. He dug deep, attempting to disrupt Inoue’s rhythm and land his own significant blows. This resilience highlighted Picasso’s determination and boxing ability.
Nakatani Sets Sights on Inoue
Earlier on the same card, Junto Nakatani also secured a unanimous decision win in his super-bantamweight debut against Sebastian Hernandez of Mexico. Nakatani, now 32-0 with 24 knockouts, expressed his desire to challenge Inoue for the undisputed title. He described the fight as a valuable learning experience as he adjusts to the 122-pound weight class.
Nakatani’s bout against Hernandez was a competitive affair, with Hernandez proving a tough and determined opponent. While Nakatani controlled portions of the fight, Hernandez mounted a strong comeback, making the contest a challenging test for the rising Japanese star. This victory positions Nakatani as the leading contender for Inoue’s titles.
The potential matchup between Inoue and Nakatani has generated considerable excitement within the boxing community. A clash between the two Japanese champions would be a significant event, particularly if held in Japan as anticipated. The fight represents a compelling storyline of two elite fighters vying for supremacy in the super-bantamweight division.
The Saudi Arabian event continues the country’s investment in hosting major sporting events, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance its global profile. Boxing has become a key component of this strategy, attracting top fighters and providing a platform for high-profile contests. This trend is expected to continue, with Saudi Arabia potentially hosting more significant boxing matches in the future.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to finalizing the details of the potential fight between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani. While a location in Tokyo is favored, negotiations are ongoing, and a definitive date remains to be announced. The boxing world will be watching closely to see when these two formidable fighters will finally meet in the ring, potentially in early 2026. The outcome of this fight will undoubtedly shape the future of the super-bantamweight division and further solidify Inoue’s legacy as a dominant champion.
Analysts are also monitoring potential future opponents for both fighters, including other contenders in the 122-pound weight class. The competitive landscape of the super-bantamweight division suggests that both Inoue and Nakatani will have numerous opportunities to defend their titles and cement their positions as top-tier boxers.
