Naoya Inoue retained his undisputed super bantamweight titles with a commanding unanimous decision victory over David Alan Picasso at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh. The judges scored the 12-round bout 119-109, 120-108, and 117-111, extending Inoue’s perfect record to 32-0 while showcasing his technical mastery despite a grueling year.
The event, billed as «The Ring V: Night of the Samurai,» drew massive attention as Inoue headlined in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Known as «The Monster,» the Japanese star defended all four belts against the resilient Mexican challenger, who entered with a strong 32-1-1 record.
Inoue controlled the fight from the opening bell, using superior hand speed, precise combinations and relentless body work to break down Picasso over the full distance. The performance marked his fourth successful defense in 2025, capping a historic campaign that solidified his status among the sport’s elite pound-for-pound fighters.
Inoue set the tone early with sharp jabs and multi-punch flurries, landing 161 jabs to Picasso’s 63 according to CompuBox stats. His power shots connected at a 167-107 clip, overwhelming the challenger with volume and accuracy across all 12 rounds.
Picasso showed heart, particularly in the later rounds where he pressed forward desperately, but Inoue’s footwork and timing neutralized most threats. The Mexican landed sporadically but never mounted sustained pressure, as Inoue dictated range and rhythm throughout.
Key moments included Inoue’s heavy body shots in rounds two through five, which slowed Picasso visibly, and dominant jab barrages in the championship rounds. Despite the wide margins, no knockdowns occurred, marking Inoue’s second straight decision win after going the distance against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September.
Inoue’s Self-Criticism After Busy Year
Post-fight, Inoue expressed dissatisfaction with his output, admitting fatigue from four fights in 2025. «My performance tonight wasn’t good enough. I should have done better,» he said, noting the intense preparation drained him. «I’m exhausted… I’ll take a bit of rest before coming back stronger.»
The 32-year-old acknowledged Picasso’s durability, stating he aimed for a knockout to demonstrate the class gap but settled for points. Inoue’s honesty highlighted his relentless pursuit of perfection, even in victory, while confirming a well-earned break to recharge.
Picasso’s Resilience Falls Short
David Alan Picasso, 25, exceeded expectations by surviving 12 rounds against one of boxing’s most feared finishers. Despite an 8cm height advantage, he struggled with Inoue’s speed and precision, absorbing punishment while chasing volume with hooks from poor angles.
Picasso’s effort earned respect, as going the distance changes perceptions for future big fights. His first career loss drops him to 32-1-1 (17 KOs), but the experience positions him for rebound opportunities in a deep super bantamweight division.
Inoue’s win keeps all belts unified under his reign, maintaining his 27-0 record in world title bouts—a mark now sharing company with legends like Joe Louis and Floyd Mayweather. The Riyadh card also featured Junto Nakatani’s super bantamweight debut victory, fueling talk of an all-Japanese megafight in Tokyo for 2026.
Promoters eye that clash as a domestic blockbuster, with Inoue expressing interest in «a fight that would thrill everyone in Japan.» Meanwhile, Picasso’s performance opens doors for contenders analyzing how to solve «The Monster,» who remains firmly atop boxing predictions for Fighter of the Year honors.
The result reinforces Inoue’s dominance at 122 lbs, where his activity—four defenses in one year—sets a modern standard. Saudi backers continue investing in elite matchups, turning Riyadh into a global hub that attracts top talent and massive purses.
For fans, the fight delivered tactical intrigue over brutality, proving Inoue’s versatility beyond knockouts. As he rests, the division watches closely: challengers must now prepare for a sharper version upon his return, ensuring super bantamweight remains must-watch action covered across every major boxing news source and Youtube Channel.
