Naoya Inoue once again proved why he is regarded as one of the defining fighters of this era, delivering a composed and authoritative performance to defeat Alan Picasso by unanimous decision on 27 December 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Headlining The Ring V: Night of the Samurai, the undisputed super bantamweight champion added yet another elite victory to a remarkable year.

The bout was staged as part of a Japanese versus Mexican themed event backed by Riyadh Season, and it carried genuine intrigue. Picasso entered unbeaten, the WBC mandatory challenger with a reputation for intelligence, toughness and ambition. For Inoue, it marked another opportunity to reinforce his dominance at 122 pounds and continue an extraordinary run of activity at the highest level.

From the opening bell, Inoue set the tempo with precision rather than recklessness. His footwork was sharp, his jab varied, and his shot selection calculated. Picasso attempted to apply pressure and invest in body work of his own, but he found himself consistently beaten to the punch. Inoue’s timing allowed him to strike first and recover faster, denying the Mexican challenger any sustained momentum.

As the rounds progressed, the champion’s body attack became the defining feature of the contest. Inoue repeatedly found space beneath Picasso’s guard, targeting the ribs and midsection with spiteful accuracy. While Picasso showed resilience and courage throughout, the physical toll was evident as Inoue maintained control in the centre of the ring and along the ropes.

Picasso had moments where he fired back bravely, particularly when pinning Inoue near the corners, yet these exchanges rarely shifted the balance. Each time the challenger landed, Inoue responded with sharper, cleaner combinations, reinforcing his command of the fight. The Japanese star’s defensive awareness also stood out, slipping shots by inches and countering without wasting energy.

By the championship rounds, the contest had become a clear exhibition of levels. Inoue remained composed and fresh, his output steady and accurate, while Picasso relied on grit and determination to see the final bell. The judges’ scorecards reflected the champion’s dominance, confirming a unanimous decision victory after twelve rounds.

The win marked Inoue’s fourth successful defence of the Ring Magazine title in a single calendar year, equalling a feat last achieved by heavyweight great Larry Holmes in 1983. It was also a continuation of momentum built earlier in the year, when Inoue knocked out Ramon Cardenas and went the distance with Murodjon Akhmadaliev, earning a clear points win that showcased his versatility rather than raw power.

In a night that celebrated elite craftsmanship and discipline, the champion once again delivered. Naoya Inoue reaffirmed his position at the summit of the sport with a measured, punishing display, while Alan Picasso earned respect for his bravery and resolve in defeat.

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In a battle befitting Las Vegas under the bright lights of Cinco De Mayo weekend, Japan’s Naoya “The Monster” Inoue reminded the world why he stands alone atop the super-bantamweight division. The undisputed champion endured a shocking early knockdown before rallying to batter and stop a defiant Ramon Cardenas in the eighth round, keeping his perfect record intact and leaving no doubt about his championship mettle.

It was a rare sight that stunned fans in the T-Mobile Arena: Inoue, one of boxing’s most feared finishers, found himself on the canvas late in the second round courtesy of a sharp counter left hook from the underdog American. Cardenas, relishing the biggest opportunity of his career, showed no signs of intimidation as he caught the champion square and flush, silencing the crowd—if only briefly.

But champions aren’t defined by perfection—they’re forged in adversity.

Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs) rose with grit, recalibrated, and spent the next several rounds systematically dismantling Cardenas (26-2). By the fourth, the tide had turned. Inoue’s surgical precision, paired with his trademark thudding power, began to show as he pierced Cardenas’ guard with uppercuts and cruel hooks that tested every inch of the challenger’s resolve.

The punishment peaked in the seventh. A vicious shot to the ribs clearly hurt Cardenas, who staggered back as Inoue uncorked a flurry of right hands that sent him reeling into the corner. The Las Vegas crowd roared as the defending champion smelled blood.

When the bell rang for the eighth, Inoue wasted no time. Launching a relentless barrage, he forced Cardenas against the ropes again. This time, referee Thomas Taylor had seen enough and waved off the contest to prevent further damage.

It marked Inoue’s 27th knockout in 30 fights and his first bout outside of Japan since 2021—a triumphant return to the international spotlight.

While Cardenas came up short, his courage under fire earned him the respect of the boxing world. He proved he belonged on the grandest stage and dared to challenge greatness.

Inoue’s legacy continues to grow—but with contenders lining up, the Monster’s reign faces no shortage of hungry challengers.

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Naoya Inoue began his 2025 campaign with another emphatic statement, halting South Korea’s Ye Joon Kim in the fourth round to retain his undisputed super bantamweight crown. Fighting at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, the Japanese champion produced a measured yet devastating performance, stopping the brave challenger at 2:25 of round four.

Kim entered the contest as a late replacement, accepting the bout on short notice after the original challenger withdrew. A former regional titleholder in Asia, the Korean contender arrived with ambition and a compelling backstory, but he faced an immense task against one of boxing’s most complete champions. Both fighters weighed in at 121¾ lb, yet the gulf in experience at world level quickly became apparent.

The opening round was cautious, with Inoue using footwork and timing rather than force. He spent the early moments gauging Kim’s stance and reactions, keeping his punches economical and precise. Kim attempted to vary his approach, switching rhythm and throwing single shots, but struggled to establish authority or disrupt the champion’s balance.

By the second round, Inoue began to dictate the pace. His punches carried increasing weight, particularly to the body, and his accuracy forced Kim into defensive retreats. The Tokyo crowd sensed the shift, as each clean connection drew a murmur of anticipation. Kim’s courage could not be questioned, but the champion’s control of distance and timing steadily closed off his options.

Round three saw the punishment intensify. Inoue mixed head and body attacks with clinical efficiency, causing visible swelling around Kim’s face. Although the challenger responded with isolated counters and continued to press forward, the exchanges increasingly favoured the champion, whose calm demeanour masked the damage he was inflicting.

The end came swiftly in the fourth. As Kim tried to engage more aggressively, Inoue seized the opening and delivered a crushing right hand that dropped the challenger heavily. Referee Mark Nelson administered the count, but there was no doubt Kim could not continue. The stoppage confirmed Inoue’s 26th knockout in 29 professional victories and underlined his status as one of the most feared finishers in the sport.

This victory followed Inoue’s previous outing, where he secured undisputed status at super bantamweight with a commanding stoppage win against TJ Doheny, completing his ascent across multiple weight divisions. Against Kim, he showed patience as well as power, choosing the moment to finish rather than forcing the conclusion early.

Ye Joon Kim earned respect for accepting the challenge and displaying resilience, yet the contest served as another reminder of the champion’s exceptional level. In the final reckoning, Inoue’s precision, composure and power proved far too much for Ye Joon Kim, as Naoya Inoue once again demonstrated why he remains boxing’s undisputed super bantamweight ruler.

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Injury Halts Doheny’s Brave Challenge Against Inoue: A Brutal Body Assault Ends the Contest in Round 7

In the super-bantamweight clash in Tokyo, Irish veteran TJ Doheny’s quest to reclaim world glory came to a sudden halt as an injury forced him to retire in the seventh round against Japan’s pound-for-pound king, Naoya Inoue. The highly skilled Inoue, now 28-0 with 25 KOs, successfully defended his undisputed super-bantamweight titles at the Ariake Arena, once again proving why he’s among boxing’s elite.

From the opening bell, Inoue demonstrated his trademark sharpness and precision. While Doheny, a seasoned southpaw, was determined to stay competitive, the Japanese champion’s relentless body attack quickly set the tone. Doheny, who entered the ring with three recent victories in Japan, showed resilience, landing a few notable shots in the third round. However, it was clear that Inoue’s power and timing were beginning to wear him down.

Round six saw the tide turn decisively in favour of the undefeated champion. Inoue unleashed a punishing combination to the body, targeting Doheny’s midsection with a series of left hooks and right hands. The Irishman visibly struggled as the bell rang, retreating to his corner, clearly feeling the effects of the relentless onslaught.

The seventh round proved to be the last. Just 16 seconds in, Doheny winced in pain, clutching his side and hip after absorbing yet another powerful body shot from Inoue. Unable to continue, Doheny took a knee, and the referee, Bence Kovacs, waved off the bout. The injury spelled the end of Doheny’s brave challenge and marked the first time he had ever been stopped in his career.

Despite the disappointing end, Doheny gave a valiant effort. At 37 years old, the former IBF super-bantamweight champion was facing a monumental task against a fighter many consider to be the best in the world. Inoue’s ferocity, particularly in his bodywork, was simply too much to overcome.

For Inoue, the victory extended his knockout streak to nine and solidified his dominance at 122 pounds. The four-weight world champion is now eyeing future challenges.

As Inoue’s legend grows, Doheny’s future remains uncertain. Yet, there’s no doubt that his heart and determination will be remembered as he continues to be a respected figure in the sport.

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In a night packed with pageantry, punches, and raw power, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue delivered a spectacle worthy of the 55,000 fans who roared inside the Tokyo Dome — the same venue that once saw Buster Douglas topple Mike Tyson. On Monday night, it was Inoue who reaffirmed his reign, climbing off the canvas to demolish Luis Nery in six electrifying rounds to retain his undisputed super bantamweight crown.

For the first time in his glittering, unbeaten career, Inoue tasted the canvas after a blistering counter left from Nery in the opening round. But if the Mexican challenger thought he’d ignited a historic upset, the fire he lit in Inoue only burned brighter.

The undefeated pound-for-pound king bounced back with venom in the second, returning the favour with a punishing counter left hook that floored Nery. From there, Inoue orchestrated a masterclass in controlled aggression, systematically dismantling his opponent with a blend of speed, precision, and raw finishing power.

Nery, a former two-weight world champion, fought valiantly but was clearly outgunned. He hit the deck again in round five and was saved by the bell, but the end was inevitable. In the sixth, Inoue unleashed a thunderous right hand that nearly launched Nery through the ropes, forcing the referee to wave off the fight at 1:22.

It was a devastating finale in a fight that had begun with genuine jeopardy — a reminder that even the greats can be caught, but only the elite rise and dominate. Inoue’s record now stands at a pristine 27-0 with 24 knockouts, as he notched his 22nd world title victory exactly a decade after winning his first.

The evening was as much about spectacle as sport. Inoue’s entrance was a rock concert in boxing gloves, sound tracked by Tomoyasu Hotei’s iconic “Battle Without Honour or Humanity,” as fireworks lit up the Dome. The energy was electric, the expectations massive — and Inoue delivered on all fronts.

Having already cleared out the division, the future remains uncertain for Inoue. But after another ruthless display, the question isn’t whether he’s the best at 122 pounds — it’s whether anyone, anywhere, can stop the Monster.

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On a winter night at Ariake Arena, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue cemented his place among boxing royalty, dismantling Marlon Tapales in 10 commanding rounds to unify the super bantamweight division. With this emphatic win, Inoue becomes only the second male fighter in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status in two weight classes, following in the footsteps of Terence Crawford.

The clash was billed as a test of Tapales’ grit and Inoue’s pound-for-pound supremacy, but from the opening bell, it was clear who dictated the terms. Tapales, the reigning IBF and WBA titlist, came to Tokyo with ambition but left the ring overpowered, outgunned, and unable to beat the count after a concussive right hand in the tenth.

Inoue, who already owned the WBC and WBO straps, wasted no time showcasing his elite timing and deceptive movement. Though a sharp jab sent Tapales down early in the second, the referee ruled it a slip. But the Japanese juggernaut wasn’t deterred—his combinations began to pile up, and the tide turned irrevocably in the fourth. A sweeping left hook rattled Tapales, and a follow-up barrage floored him officially.

Despite his troubles, the Filipino southpaw showed tenacity, adjusting mid-fight with crafty footwork and well-placed counters, even snatching a couple of middle rounds on some scorecards. His jab found occasional success, especially in close quarters, but Inoue’s composure under fire and surgical pressure made the difference.

By the ninth, the hometown hero had adjusted again—doubling his right hand with alarming precision. Tapales, reverting to a high guard, tried to weather the storm, but a pulverizing right hand in the 10th cracked the code for good. He slumped to the canvas, brave but broken, as the referee reached ten.

Now a four-division champion and two-division undisputed king, Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) continues to redefine dominance in modern boxing. His blend of ring generalship, explosive power, and technical sharpness has seen him conquer division after division.

In a sport where greatness often needs validation across weight classes, Naoya Inoue has cleared every hurdle. On this night, Tokyo bore witness to a master at work—a monster whose legacy only grows with every brutal, brilliant display.

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Naoya Inoue delivered one of the most authoritative performances of his career on 25 July 2023, dismantling the unbeaten Stephen Fulton Jr to claim the WBC and WBO super bantamweight world titles at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. In a contest that had been years in the making, the Japanese icon announced his arrival at 122 pounds in emphatic fashion, forcing a stoppage in the eighth round and ending Fulton’s reign as unified champion.

The bout had originally been slated for May in Yokohama before a hand injury delayed proceedings, only adding to the anticipation surrounding one of the most intriguing match-ups in the lighter divisions. Fulton entered the ring with an unblemished record and a reputation for ring intelligence, while Inoue stepped up in weight without the benefit of an interim contest, a bold decision that spoke volumes about his confidence.

From the opening exchanges, it was clear Inoue was determined to control the tempo. He applied steady pressure, worked behind a sharp lead hand and consistently found angles that limited Fulton’s ability to dictate terms. While the American champion attempted to establish his jab and maintain distance, he was repeatedly disrupted by Inoue’s timing and variety.

As the rounds progressed, the challenger’s influence grew. Inoue mixed head and body attacks with precision, gradually eroding Fulton’s defensive shell. The difference in output became increasingly evident, with Inoue landing cleanly and often, while Fulton struggled to match the volume or accuracy being thrown at him. By the middle of the contest, the momentum had swung decisively towards the Japanese star.

The decisive moment arrived in the eighth. Inoue caught Fulton with a perfectly placed left hand that sent the champion to the canvas for the first knockdown of his career. Although Fulton rose, he was unable to recover fully. Inoue closed in swiftly, unleashing a sustained sequence of unanswered punches that prompted referee Hector Afu to intervene, bringing the contest to an end via technical knockout.

The statistics underlined the one-sided nature of the encounter. By the time of the stoppage, Inoue had outscored Fulton by a wide margin, landing 114 punches to his opponent’s 47, including a significant advantage in power shots. It was a clinical display that left little room for debate.

This victory followed Inoue’s previous outing in December 2021, when he halted Aran Dipaen in eight rounds at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan to retain his bantamweight titles. That win marked his final appearance at 118 pounds, and the transition to super bantamweight has now been completed in spectacular style.

In front of an appreciative Tokyo crowd, Naoya Inoue once again demonstrated his exceptional skill, composure and finishing instinct, while Stephen Fulton Jr showed courage but was ultimately outmatched on the night.

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Japan’s pugilistic prodigy Naoya “The Monster” Inoue delivered a career-defining demolition job in front of a roaring home crowd at Saitama Super Arena, snatching the WBC bantamweight strap from Nonito Donaire with ruthless precision. Inoue, already holding the WBA and IBF titles, completed the trifecta in just two blistering rounds—cementing his place atop the pound-for-pound rankings and boxing history.

The long-anticipated rematch, three years in the making, had the scent of war after their 2019 classic. But any expectations of another back-and-forth thriller evaporated within six minutes. This time, there was no drawn-out chess match—only shock and awe from the opening bell.

Inoue, now 23-0 with 20 knockouts, wasted no time imposing his dominance. He measured Donaire early with sharp jabs, masking the storm to come. As the first round ticked away, Inoue detonated a thunderous right that sent the Filipino icon to the canvas. Donaire beat the count, but his eyes told the story—this was not going to be like last time.

Round two began, and Inoue turned predator. With surgical timing, he unleashed a left hook that rattled Donaire, setting off a chain reaction of punishing blows. Trapped and battered, the 39-year-old veteran could no longer mount resistance. At 1:24 of the round, the referee stepped in to spare the future Hall of Famer further damage, as Inoue raised his arms to a deafening ovation.

With this statement victory, Inoue became the first man to stop Donaire at bantamweight—a feat no other fighter in the division had managed. More importantly, he became the first Japanese boxer to be crowned the pound-for-pound king by The Ring, a monumental milestone for his country and career.

While Donaire showed heart, age finally caught up with the former four-division champ. Inoue, in contrast, looked every bit the generational force he’s touted to be—fast, ferocious, and frighteningly efficient.

Now unified, undisputed, and undisputedly elite, Naoya Inoue stands alone atop the bantamweight mountain. Whoever dares next better come prepared—The Monster isn’t just knocking at the door of greatness. He’s kicking it off the hinges.

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Naoya Inoue returned to Japanese soil on 14 December 2021 with the same authority that has defined his rise, stopping Thailand’s Aran Dipaen in the eighth round at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The victory extended Inoue’s unbeaten record to 22 straight wins and saw him successfully defend the WBA (Super), IBF and The Ring bantamweight titles in emphatic fashion.

The bout had been confirmed in late October as a voluntary defence, with Dipaen entering as the IBF’s sixth-ranked challenger. While the challenger arrived with a reputation for toughness and a high knockout ratio, the contest followed a familiar pattern once the opening bell sounded. Inoue began with patience, measuring distance and rhythm rather than forcing an early conclusion. The opening rounds were notable for the champion’s economy of movement, subtle footwork and probing jab, which gradually set the tone.

Dipaen showed commendable resolve. He stayed compact behind a high guard and attempted to counter whenever openings appeared. For several rounds he remained upright despite absorbing sustained pressure, a testament to his conditioning and durability. However, as the fight progressed, the gap in class became increasingly clear. Inoue varied his attacks, mixing sharp punches upstairs with heavy work to the body that began to sap the challenger’s resistance.

By the middle rounds, the Tokyo crowd could sense the momentum shifting decisively. Inoue’s timing sharpened, his combinations became more fluid, and Dipaen was repeatedly driven back towards the ropes. Although the Thai contender continued to answer the count and fire back when possible, his defensive shell was steadily being dismantled by the champion’s accuracy and balance.

The finish came in the eighth round. A clean left hook dropped Dipaen to the canvas, the first knockdown of the contest. He rose, but only briefly. As the action resumed, another left hand caught him flush, leaving the referee with little option but to intervene. The stoppage was called at 2:34 of the round, bringing a decisive end to a fight that had showcased both Inoue’s patience and his ruthless ability to close the show once the opportunity presented itself.

This win followed Inoue’s previous outing in June 2021, when he overwhelmed Michael Dasmariñas with a third-round knockout in Las Vegas. That performance had already underlined his status as one of boxing’s most complete champions, and the Dipaen defence reinforced that standing on home ground. It was no surprise that, later in the year, Inoue was recognised as Fighter of the Year by the Japanese Boxing Commission.

In front of a passionate Tokyo audience, Naoya Inoue once again demonstrated why he sits at the pinnacle of the bantamweight division, while Aran Dipaen earned respect for his resilience in defeat, as the contest concluded with both fighters having left a clear imprint on the Ryōgoku Kokugikan ring.

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At the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Naoya Inoue once again reminded the bantamweight division why he is regarded as one of the sport’s sharpest finishers. Arriving on the back of his devastating knockout of Jason Moloney, the unified WBA (Super), IBF, and Ring Magazine champion entered his 21st professional contest with a familiar air of icy purpose. Michael Dasmarinas, the IBF mandatory challenger and reigning IBO champion, was expected to offer movement, angles, and southpaw awkwardness. Instead, he spent most of the evening trying to withstand a storm that never relented.

From the first clang of the opening bell, Inoue’s intentions were unmistakable. He pressed forward with calm patience, taking small, economical steps that constantly placed him in striking range. Dasmarinas circled, switching direction in an effort to stay away from the Japanese champion’s power hand. But Inoue did not chase recklessly; he glided, measuring distance with a quiet menace that forced the challenger to expend nervous energy simply keeping ground beneath him.

The early exchanges revealed the scale of the task facing the Filipino contender. Inoue’s jab was sharp enough to split the guard and versatile enough to double as a feint to disguise the incoming artillery. Whenever Dasmarinas edged too close, a short, jolting left hook whipped in with a speed that defied the eye. Even when the punches brushed or grazed, they produced a visible reaction—proof of the champion’s precision as much as his power.

By the second round, Inoue began investing in the body with calculated cruelty. A well-timed left hook beneath the ribs forced Dasmarinas to his knees for the first knockdown of the night. Though he beat the count, his posture betrayed the lingering damage. Inoue needed no invitation to continue the assault. Another digging shot downstairs bent the challenger in half, his face twisted in delayed agony—the unmistakable result of a flushed liver strike.

Dasmarinas attempted to fire back, loosing the occasional straight left in hope of stemming the tide, but each resistance was met by another expertly-placed tormentor to the midsection. Inoue varied his entries, sometimes stepping around the guard, other times jabbing high only to plunge a hook low, all while maintaining balance that allowed him to attack without exposing himself to counters.

The third round sealed the inevitable conclusion. Inoue resumed the body hunt, stitching together combinations that mixed uppercuts with left hooks aimed with surgical bleakness. A final thudding shot sent Dasmarinas down once more, unable to resist the accumulated punishment. The referee reached the count of ten at 2:45 of the round, confirming a knockout victory and another emphatic defence for the unified champion.

Naoya Inoue’s systematic dismantling of Michael Dasmarinas served as a chilling reminder of his supremacy at bantamweight. Inoue’s blend of timing, accuracy, and ruthless body punching once again proved too much, and the brave challenge of Michael Dasmarinas ultimately succumbed to the unyielding brilliance of Naoya Inoue.

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