Naoya Inoue and David Picasso: A Potential Fight You Won’t Want to Miss

Phoenix: Boxing fans are buzzing as Naoya Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion, gears up for his title defense on Christmas Eve. While many thought he might jump to the featherweight division soon, it looks like he might stick around at 122 pounds a bit longer. Inoue has his sights set on a showdown with unbeaten bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani in Japan, but that’s not all. He might also be facing David Picasso in Las Vegas come April 2025!

What’s Next for Inoue?

Inoue, known as “The Monster,” boasts an impressive record of 28 wins with 25 KOs, making him one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport today. He’s set to defend his title against Sam Goodman on December 24, but promoters at Top Rank are already plotting his next move. They’re considering a high-stakes match against David Picasso, who’s currently Inoue’s mandatory contender.

Picasso is a 24-year-old Mexican fighter making waves with his record of 30 wins (16 KOs) and only 1 draw. According to the World Boxing Council (WBC), he’s the No. 1 contender and ready to take on the challenge. His promoter, Rene Aviles from Zanfer Promotions, stated, “The kid is asking for the fight.” It’s clear Picasso is eager to prove himself against a champion like Inoue.

David Picasso: The Rising Star

David Picasso is making a name for himself in the boxing world. He’s gearing up for his fifth fight of the year on December 14 against Isaac Sackey in Tijuana, and he’s had quite the year already. Earlier in 2024, he fought on the undercard of big events featuring stars like Jaime Munguia and Canelo Alvarez. Those performances have really put him in the spotlight.

Aviles has praised Picasso’s toughness, noting that he started his professional career at just 17 and has faced challenges head-on. “He’s not a big puncher, but he has great punching volume and a high boxing IQ,” Aviles said. With that kind of skill and strategy, Picasso feels ready to take on Inoue if the fight gets made.

Top Rank’s Game Plan

Top Rank is busy working on making this potential fight happen in Las Vegas, aiming for an April showdown. They’re still ironing out the financial details, but Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum has confirmed that they’re on it. “We’re working on that and will have an announcement shortly,” he said. “But we won’t say anything until after Inoue fights on Christmas Eve.”

This matchup against Picasso could be a big deal for both fighters. For Inoue, it’s a chance to showcase his skills on a bigger stage, while for Picasso, it’s a golden opportunity to prove he belongs in the ring with the best. As fans, we’re all hoping that if Inoue gets through his Christmas bout without a hitch, we’ll hear some exciting news about his next fight.

The Excitement Builds

As we get closer to Inoue’s title defense, the anticipation is building for what could be a thrilling showdown with David Picasso. Boxing fans have a lot to look forward to, with both fighters bringing their A-game to the ring. Will Inoue successfully defend his title and set up a clash with Picasso? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: boxing fans will be watching closely.