Tokyo, Japan – November 7, 2025 – Boxing fans are excited following the official announcement of the championship bout between Japan’s undisputed super bantamweight king, Naoya Inoue, and unbeaten Mexican challenger Alan David Picasso. The fight is slated for December 27, 2025, at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, headlining “Ring V: Night of the Samurai,” an event promising a thrilling Japan vs. Mexico theme.
Inoue, widely regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the sport, enters the ring with an impeccable record of 31-0, including 27 knockouts. The 32-year-old phenom, known as “The Monster” for his devastating power and precision, has unified all four major belts at 122 pounds and is making his latest defense in what has become a global spectacle under the promotion of Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season initiatives. This will mark Inoue’s return to action following his dominant performances earlier in the year, solidifying his status as a boxing icon.
Facing him is the 24-year-old Picasso, who boasts an unblemished 29-0-1 record with 16 knockouts. Ranked No. 1 by the WBC in the super bantamweight division, the Mexican prospect has been on a meteoric rise, showcasing slick boxing skills and resilience in his bouts. Picasso, hailing from Mexico City, represents a fresh challenge for Inoue, bringing youth, ambition, and a hunger to dethrone the champion on the international stage.
The announcement came during a lively press conference in Tokyo on November 6, where both fighters expressed confidence and respect for the matchup. Inoue, addressing the media, described the bout as a crucial “stepping stone” toward an even bigger fight planned for May 2026, potentially against fellow Japanese star Junto Nakatani or another top contender. “First of all, I’ll concentrate on Picasso and then a big match in 2026,” Inoue stated, emphasizing his focus amid speculation about future megafights.
Inoue’s father and trainer, Shingo Inoue, echoed the sentiment, underscoring the importance of every defense: “Every fight is a serious one. We prepare as if it’s the toughest challenge.” The event’s undercard is stacked with Japanese talent, including Nakatani defending his titles, with reports indicating up to 10 Japanese fighters facing Mexican opponents in a cross-cultural clash. The bout was first teased in September when an agreement was reached, but the full details were unveiled this week, heightening anticipation for what could be one of the year’s most explosive title fights. Broadcast details are expected to be announced soon, with the card likely streaming on major platforms like ESPN and DAZN, bringing the action to a worldwide audience.
As the countdown to December 27 begins, this matchup pits Inoue’s experience and knockout prowess against Picasso’s undefeated grit, promising fireworks in the desert. Boxing enthusiasts are already marking their calendars for what could be another chapter in Inoue’s legendary career—or the emergence of a new star in Picasso.
Muki is a long time boxing fan and enjoys Mixed Martial Arts. He has been writing boxing articles since he was a teen and his favorite fighters of the past are Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Prince Naseem Hamed. Favorite MMA fighters are Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva and Fedor Emelianenko.