Boxing fans around the globe tuned in with anticipation as Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs), known to many as "The Monster," stepped into the ring to defend his undisputed super bantamweight crown for the sixth time. The stage was set at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the glitzy Riyadh Season festivities—an ambitious, state-funded celebration of sports and entertainment orchestrated by the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority. The event, dubbed Ring V: Night of the Samurai, promised action, drama, and a showcase of Japan’s finest pugilistic talent.
Headlining the card, Inoue faced the undefeated Mexican contender Alan Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs). Both fighters entered the bout with pristine records, their reputations on the line, and the eyes of the boxing world fixed on Riyadh. With the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine super bantamweight titles at stake, the stakes simply couldn’t have been higher. Fans eager to catch every punch and flurry could watch the event live via DAZN’s pay-per-view platform, with special access for Japanese viewers through Lemino.
Inoue’s appearance in the ring marked his fourth fight of 2025—a remarkable level of activity for a modern-day elite champion. The Japanese superstar, already a household name in his homeland and a pound-for-pound fixture on global rankings, was looking to further cement his legacy. The main event was scheduled to begin at approximately 12:55 p.m. GMT, aligning perfectly with prime-time audiences in Japan, where Inoue’s popularity borders on the legendary.
But Inoue wasn’t the only Japanese sensation on the card. The chief support featured Junto Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs), a former three-weight world champion making his debut in the super bantamweight division against the dangerous Sebastian Hernandez. Nakatani’s presence added extra intrigue: should both he and Inoue emerge unscathed, a superfight between the two is being discussed for Tokyo Dome next May—a potential blockbuster that has fans and pundits alike buzzing with excitement.
Unfortunately, not all the pre-fight storylines unfolded as planned. Kenshiro Teraji, another Japanese star, was set to challenge Willibaldo Garcia for the IBF super flyweight title. However, Garcia was declared medically unfit to fight after falling ill following the ceremonial weigh-in on December 26, 2025. The cancellation was a blow to Teraji, who had been aiming to join the rarefied ranks of three-weight world champions. Brief efforts to secure a late replacement proved fruitless, leaving Teraji and his fans disappointed.
The undercard, however, delivered fireworks right from the opening bell. Rising prospect Reito Tsutsumi (4-0, 3 KOs), a former youth amateur standout and newly minted Ring ambassador, took on Leobardo Quintana (12-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight clash. Despite a spirited start from Quintana, who pressed forward and landed some telling blows, Tsutsumi showed poise beyond his years. After weathering early adversity—Tsutsumi was bleeding from the nose and mouth by the middle rounds—he turned the tide with a series of punishing body shots.
In the pivotal fourth round, Tsutsumi seized his moment. A sharp left hook to the jaw staggered Quintana, and two follow-up right hands sent the Mexican to the canvas. Quintana bravely beat the count but was clearly in no shape to continue. The referee waved off the contest at 1:14 of the fourth round, handing Tsutsumi a statement victory and keeping his undefeated record intact. "Tsutsumi gets the KO in the fourth!" DAZN Boxing reported, capturing the excitement of the moment. The young Japanese fighter’s performance has already sparked talk of a world title shot within his first ten bouts—a lofty goal, but one that now seems within reach.
Back to the main attraction, the Inoue vs. Picasso showdown had all the makings of a classic. Picasso, hailing from Mexico and boasting an impressive ledger of 32 wins (17 by knockout) and a single draw, entered the ring brimming with confidence. For Inoue, the fight represented not just another title defense, but a chance to showcase his skills on a global stage and further his case as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The bout was broadcast live to a worldwide audience, with DAZN offering a range of subscription and pay-per-view options tailored to fans in different regions. The standalone PPV price was set at $69.99 in the US and Canada, with discounts available to DAZN Ultimate subscribers.
The energy inside Mohammed Abdo Arena was palpable as the fighters made their ringwalks. Inoue, ever the consummate professional, looked calm and focused, while Picasso exuded the quiet determination of a man who believed he could shock the world. The first bell rang, and the action commenced—each man probing for openings, testing the other’s resolve. The early rounds saw tactical exchanges, with Inoue’s trademark speed and precision on display, while Picasso sought to impose his own rhythm and power.
As the rounds unfolded, the tension in the arena built steadily. Could Inoue maintain his incredible run and retain his undisputed status? Would Picasso’s unbeaten record survive the night, or would "The Monster" add another name to his growing list of victims? The outcome, as of press time, remains undecided, with both fighters still locked in a battle of wills and skill. The Sporting News and Big Fight Weekend provided round-by-round updates, ensuring fans didn’t miss a beat of the unfolding drama.
Beyond the main event, the night’s action highlighted the depth of Japanese boxing talent. With Nakatani’s foray into the super bantamweight ranks and Tsutsumi’s rapid ascent, the stage is set for a new wave of stars to emerge. Meanwhile, the disappointment surrounding Teraji’s cancelled title shot serves as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability—one moment, a fighter is on the brink of history; the next, circumstances beyond their control intervene.
No matter the final outcome between Inoue and Picasso, the event has already delivered on its promise of high-stakes action and international intrigue. Fans will be watching closely as the main event reaches its conclusion, and talk of future superfights—particularly a potential all-Japanese clash between Inoue and Nakatani—continues to gather steam. As the dust settles in Riyadh, one thing is certain: boxing’s global spotlight is shining brightly on Japan’s finest, and the story is far from over.
Stay tuned as the action in the ring unfolds, with the world waiting to see who will emerge victorious on this unforgettable night in Saudi Arabia.
