Naoya Inoue cruises to beat unbeaten rival and set up clash boxing world has always wanted to see

Naoya Inoue cruised to another sensational victory over Alan David Picasso to defend his titles and set up a huge 2026.

‘The Monster’ is one of boxing’s leading pound-for-pound superstars, and he was looking to defend his undisputed super bantamweight belts for a fourth time in 2025.

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He took on undefeated Alan Picasso, who had patiently waited for shot, with a showdown between the pair having collapsed in May.

Victory for Inoue would finally see him set up a huge showdown with fellow Japanese compatriot Junto Nakatani.

Nakatani had narrowly avoided an upset just moments before the champion walked to the ring, as he edged sensational underdog Sebastian Hernandez.

Pressure was on his shoulders having watched Nakatani’s clash from his dressing room, but he delivered on his end of the bargain in sensational style.

Inoue cruised to yet another brilliant victory, unable to find the stoppage, but showing sensational skills throughout to preserve his undefeated record again.

Picasso was no match for the champion’s genius, as he practically won every round on the judges’ scorecards in another monumental one-sided win.

The official tallies from the judges read at 119-109, 120-108, 117-111 in Inoue’s favour as he completed a masterful 2026.

It sees him now match the record of great heavyweight Larry Holmes, defending his Ring Magazine title four times in a calendar year.

The boxing world is witnessing greatness with Inoue, and he will now look to make history on Japanese soil in a monster clash with Nakatani, which is expected to land midway through 2026.

What happened in Inoue vs Picasso?

Inoue had his business-like look as he approached the ring, looking to make an emphatic statement and avoid being dragged into deep waters like Nakatani.

He had already been agitated by a dispute over the gloves before the clash, and it was clear he climbed over the ropes with all intention of a destructive display.

‘The Monster’ feinted and pushed his jab out well early on as he looked to, as always, work out his opponent in a measured and menacing fashion.

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Inoue immediately upped the ante in the second letting his hands go with electrifying speed as Picasso took some clubbing shots, but he absorbed them well and beckoned his rival on, opting to trade and stand his ground.

Once again for Inoue, it was some sensational punch variation that was paying dividends, but Picasso was holding his own and lapping up the pressure.

He continued to show levels of world class boxing on both the back foot and front foot, with the Mexican limited in his attack and refusing to overcommit.

As the midway point drew in, Inoue was far ahead and dominating but Picasso was resilient and pushing to try and grow into the fight.

Inoue had outlanded Picasso by almost double as he looked in cruise control with the challenger having very little to try and stop the technical brilliance of the sensational star.

Picasso was eating some thunderous shots to the body in particular well, but he started to show signs that he was being worn down as the later rounds came.

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There was little chance he could turn around proceedings as the final stages approached, with Picasso having little left in the tank to try and break down the concentrated champion.

Ultimately it was a step too far for the leading ranked contender, who wasn’t able to put any kind of dent in the truly dominant champion.

But he showed true heart and grit taking a catalogue of whipping body shots to survive but fall in defeat.

When will Inoue vs Nakatani happen?

It is likely the bout will now happen next year after much clamour from the boxing world.

Nakatani may need to be given time to recover from his eye injury, before pursuing a clash with Inoue.

But the famous Japanese rivals must clash in 2026, in a blockbuster billing that will likely be the biggest in the country’s history.