Naoya Inoue bids to maintain his status as the greatest pound-for-pound star in world boxing at The Ring V: Night of the Samurai against Alan Picasso on Saturday.
‘The Monster’, a four-weight world champ, will defend his undisputed super-bantamweight title against the Mexican atop a stacked bill of talent in Riyadh this weekend.
Ring V: Inoue vs Picasso | Saturday 27 Dec from 8pm AEDT | Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya ‘The Monster’ Inoue puts his titles on the line against Mexico’s Alan Picasso, in Riyadh. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
At 31-0, few fighters can match Inoue’s record in the ring – but his latest opponent arrives unbeaten too, and will be desperate to dethrone him atop the sport’s summit.
WHEN IS IT?
Naoya Inoue vs Alan Picasso will take place on Saturday, December 27 at The Ring V: Night of the Samurai, with the whole card set to be shown live on Kayo Sports or Foxtel’s Main Event.
The pay-per-view card commences at the following times:
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT – 8:00pm AEDT
South Australia – 7:30pm ACDT
Queensland – 7:00pm AEST
Northern Territory – 6:30pm ACST
Western Australia – 5:00pm AWST
The main event is scheduled to commence close to midnight AEDT.
HOW TO WATCH?
You can order the full fight card NOW with Main Event and Kayo Sports.
FULL CARD
Naoya Inoue (C) vs Alan Picasso (undisputed super-bantamweight titles)
Junto Nakatani vs Sebastian Hernandez Reyes (super-bantamweight)
Willibaldo Garcia (C) vs Kenshiro Teraji (IBF super-flyweight title)
Taiga Imanaga vs Armando Martinez (lightweight)
Reito Tsutsumi vs Leobardo Quintana (super-featherweight)
Beyond the headline of Inoue and Picasso, there’s plenty of other figures to catch the eye on this decorated bill, with many hailing from the former’s Japan.
Junto Nakatani can position himself as a chief challenger to the winner of the top bout if he prevails in his undercard bout with the fearsome Sebastan Hernandez.
Kenshiro Teraji meanwhile will take aim at Willibaldo Garcia and his IBF super flyweight title, while Taiga Imanaga and Reito Tsutsumi also feature in the mix.
There is one less bout than expected however, after Hayato Tsutsumi suffered a fracture, forcing the postponement of his title challenge against Jazza Dickens.
WHERE IS THE EVENT TAKING PLACE?
The fight is set to be held at Mohammed Abdo Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Opened in 2019, the 22,000-capacity arena has already hosted multiple major sporting events, and will welcome The Ring V as the latest blockbuster through its doors.
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
Naoya Inoue is the overwhelming favourite to defeat Alan Picasso, and is currently priced at 1/50 with DAZN Bet.
His opponent is available at a distant 9/1 to take the upset in the Middle East.
To win:
Naoya Inoue: 1/50
Alan Picasso: 9/1
FORM & HISTORY
After years of turning Japan into a fortress for his multiple division conquests, ‘The Monster’ goes global this festive season with a trip to Saudi Arabia.
Few stars have amassed such success in boxing to remain an enigma quite like Inoue, whose still flies under the radar when it comes to casual fans.
That could well change if he brings his astonishing pound-for-pound power to bear on his latest opponent, having recorded a superb 87% KO-win ratio.
Picasso is no slouch however, with the star more than earning his shot against the reigning champion, and will be keen to leave a mark against his foe.
Save a technical draw against Martin Jimenez Delgado early in his career, the Mexican has won every one of his bouts too and can give the Japanese star trouble.
With an extra three inches in height and reach, he will be able to test Inoue to his limits – and could well be the man that may dethrone him from his position
AJ stops Paul with 6th round KO | 02:12
TALE OF THE TAPE
Naoya Inoue
Nationality: Japanese
Age: 32
Height: 5’ 5”
Reach: 67.5”
Total fights: 31
Record: 31-0 (27 KOs)
Alan Picasso
Nationality: Mexican
Age: 25
Height: 5’ 8”
Reach: 70”
Total fights: 33
Record: 32-0-1 (17 KOs)
Some of this article first appeared on DAZN.com and was reproduced with permission.