Boxing Match Preview: Naoya Inoue (31-0-0, 27 KOs) vs. Alan Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs)
The “Ring V: Night of the Samurai” card closes out 2025 with a blockbuster undisputed super bantamweight title defense as pound-for-pound king Naoya “The Monster” Inoue faces unbeaten Mexican challenger Alan David Picasso Romero. This 12-round main event headlines a stacked Riyadh Season promotion featuring top Japanese talent.
Venue Location
The bout takes place at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This modern open-air venue, part of the Riyadh Season festival, has a capacity of around 22,000 and hosts major international boxing events with a neutral, high-profile atmosphere.
Main card starts at approximately 5:00 a.m. ET (adjusted from 4:00 a.m. due to undercard changes). Main event ringwalks expected around 7:57-8:00 a.m. ET.
Broadcast/Streaming: Exclusively on DAZN (pay-per-view worldwide or included in Ultimate tier subscription).
Recent Form
Inoue has been exceptionally active in 2025, fighting four times. Here’s a summary of their last five bouts:
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights (Most Recent First) | Form Notes |
| Naoya Inoue | UD vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev (Sep 2025), TKO 8 vs. Ramon Cardenas (May 2025), KO 4 vs. Ye Joon Kim (Jan 2025), prior wins | Inoue overcame a knockdown against Cardenas but dominated otherwise. His power and precision remain elite, though recent fights show durability tests at 122 lbs. |
| Alan David Picasso | MD vs. Kyonosuke Kameda (Jul 2025), KO 3 vs. Yehison Cuello (Dec 2024), prior decisions/TKOs | Picasso earned mandatory status with a tough decision over Kameda. He’s durable and technical but faces a massive step-up in opposition. |
Inoue’s fights average early-mid finishes, while Picasso often goes longer distances against solid foes.
Fight History
This marks the first meeting between Inoue and Picasso. No shared opponents. Picasso, the WBC mandatory, earns this shot after consistent wins, while Inoue defends against a defensive-minded challenger ahead of a potential 2026 mega-fight with Junto Nakatani.
Injury Report
Naoya Inoue: No reported injuries. Inoue appeared sharp at weigh-ins (121.1 lbs) and in camp, with no setbacks noted despite a busy 2025 schedule.
Alan David Picasso: No injuries reported. Picasso weighed in comfortably (around limit) and is healthy for his biggest opportunity.
(Note: Undercard fight cancellations unrelated to this bout.)
Fighter Matchups
This 12-round undisputed title fight contrasts devastating power with defensive craft:
Power vs. Defense: Inoue’s explosive combinations, body work, and finishing instinct (27 KOs) overwhelm most opponents. Picasso’s reach (70″), jab, and counter-punching aim to frustrate and survive early.
Experience Edge: Inoue, a four-division champion with undisputed reigns in two weights, faces Picasso in his first world-title shot. Inoue’s ring IQ shines late.
Key Dynamics: Expect Inoue to pressure methodically, targeting the body. Picasso’s youth and durability could extend the fight, but Inoue’s precision likely breaks through mid-late rounds.
Betting Trends
Naoya Inoue: Heavy favorites like Inoue win 90%+ in recent title defenses; 80% of his fights end inside distance. Unders hit in quick finishes, but recent bouts trend over early lines due to durability.
Alan David Picasso: Underdogs in mandatory challengers cover 40-50%; his fights often go over mid-round totals (decisions common). Mexican challengers in Riyadh show resilience.
General Trends: Inoue fights average mid-round stoppages; heavy favorites in Riyadh cards dominate (70% KO rate in 2025 mains). Public money heavily on Inoue ML.
FIGHT ODDS
Naoya Inoue – 3500
Alan Picasso + 1400
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 26, 2025
