Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and his challenger Alan Picasso successfully made weight ahead of their highly anticipated fight tonight in Riyadh. The bout headlines the Ring V: Night of the Samurai event, which will be broadcast live on Main Event via Foxtel and Kayo Sports, as well as DAZN. The fight card, showcasing five of Japan’s top boxers, kicks off at 8pm AEDT, with the main event expected to begin around midnight AEDT.
Inoue, known as ‘The Monster’, weighed in at 121.5lbs, slightly heavier than Picasso who registered 121.1lbs. This fight holds significant stakes for Inoue. A victory would likely set the stage for an all-Japanese showdown with Junto Nakatani, who is featured in the co-main event. Additionally, a successful defense of his Ring Magazine super bantamweight title would allow Inoue to match the legendary Larry Holmes’ record of defending the Ring Magazine heavyweight title four times in a single calendar year.
Inoue’s Drive and Determination
When questioned by boxing analyst Mike Coppinger about his frequent fights, especially when many boxing stars are fortunate to compete twice a year, Inoue expressed his deep passion for the sport.
“I fight for myself, I want my fans and supporters to see as many matches as possible, and I love boxing,” Inoue stated.
Despite being the favorite, Inoue faces a determined opponent in Picasso. The Mexican challenger is eager to defy the odds and secure one of the most significant victories in his country’s boxing history. After the weigh-in, Picasso exuded confidence, urging his supporters to continue backing him.
“Give me all the confidence you’ve already shown me, I’m going to fight for my people tomorrow,” Picasso declared.
Spotlight on the Co-Main Event
While the Inoue-Picasso clash garners much attention, the co-main event between Junto Nakatani and Sebastian Hernandez is equally compelling. This marks Nakatani’s debut at super bantamweight after achieving world title success in three lower weight classes. A victory over Hernandez could pave the way for a historic bout with Inoue.
Nakatani, who weighed in at 121.6lbs, is confident in his preparation and eager to make a statement.
“My preparation went very well, tomorrow you will see my big bang,” Nakatani promised. “It’s going to be my first fight at super bantamweight, I want to have a good experience and then move to the next stage.”
The Full Fight Card
- Naoya Inoue vs Alan Picasso; Super bantamweight, for the undisputed title
- Junto Nakatani vs Sebastian Hernandez; Super bantamweight
- Taiga Imanaga vs Armando Martinez; Lightweight
- Reito Tsutsumi vs Leobardo Quintana; Super featherweight
- Willibaldo Garcia vs Kenshiro Teraji’s IBG Super Flyweight title fight cancelled with Teraji seeking a replacement fight
Implications and Future Prospects
The outcome of tonight’s fights could significantly reshape the super bantamweight division. Inoue’s potential victory and subsequent matchup with Nakatani could captivate boxing fans worldwide, highlighting the strength of Japanese boxing. Meanwhile, Picasso’s upset would not only elevate his career but also add a new dynamic to the division.
As the boxing world watches, the fighters are poised to deliver memorable performances that could have lasting impacts on their careers and the sport. The anticipation surrounding these bouts underscores the global appeal of boxing and the enduring allure of championship fights.
