Japan’s boxing sensation Naoya “The Monster” Inoue delivered another masterclass on Saturday, retaining his undisputed super-bantamweight titles with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Alan David Picasso in Riyadh.
Inoue was in control throughout the 12-round contest, earning wide scorecards of 119-109, 120-108 and 117-111, as he extended his flawless professional record to 31 wins and his world title fight run to 27-0.
Although the Japanese star was unable to secure a knockout, he imposed his authority with blistering hand speed, sharp footwork and punishing body shots that steadily wore down Picasso. Inoue set the tone early with a measured opening round before increasing the pressure in the second, landing clean hooks and sustained attacks to the body.
Picasso attempted to respond in the middle rounds, pushing forward and forcing Inoue onto the back foot at times, but the champion’s composure and defensive awareness ensured he remained firmly in control. By rounds nine and ten, Inoue appeared to be hunting a stoppage, unleashing heavy combinations, though the resilient Mexican survived.
Needing a knockout to have any chance, Picasso threw everything he had in the final two rounds, but Inoue calmly managed the closing stages to seal another emphatic victory.
The win further cements Inoue’s status as one of boxing’s elite pound-for-pound fighters and keeps his reign at super-bantamweight firmly intact.
