A major championship showdown headlines The Ring V: Night of the Samurai on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (31–0, 27 KOs) defends his crown against unbeaten Mexican contender David Picasso (32–0–1, 17 KOs). Inoue enters as one of the sport’s most dominant pound-for-pound forces, carrying a perfect record, elite finishing ability, and a resume stacked with world-class victories. Picasso arrives with youth, length, momentum and an undefeated record built on steady progression and disciplined boxing. This boxing betting matchup pits Inoue’s generational power and precision against Picasso’s height, reach, and technical consistency. Fans should expect a compelling clash of styles: Inoue’s explosive offense and elite timing versus Picasso’s rangy jab, volume, and durability.
Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso Fight Preview
Naoya Inoue, age 32, continues to build one of the most complete championship resumes in modern boxing. At 5’5” with a 67.5-inch reach, the Japanese superstar blends elite footwork, surgical accuracy, and devastating power that has carried across four weight classes. His 87% knockout rate underscores his ability to end fights with single-shot precision or sustained pressure. Recent victories over Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Ramon Cardenas, TJ Doheny, Luis Nery, and Marlon Tapales highlight his dominance at super-bantamweight, where he has unified and defended all four major titles.
Inoue’s challenge in this matchup is managing Picasso’s length while maintaining the aggressive, disciplined rhythm that has defined his championship run. If he controls distance, dictates tempo, and forces exchanges on his terms, he remains the most dangerous fighter in the division.
David Picasso, age 25, enters as an undefeated and rapidly ascending contender with a 5’8” frame and a 70-inch reach — meaningful physical advantages in this matchup. Picasso has built his record through steady development, capturing the WBC Silver super-bantamweight title and defending it against quality opponents such as Azat Hovhannisyan, Damien Vazquez, and Yehison Cuello. He fights with a composed, technical style built around a long jab, disciplined footwork, and well-timed combinations.
Picasso’s biggest challenge is handling Inoue’s explosiveness and ability to close distance with speed and power. To be competitive, he must keep the fight at range, avoid extended exchanges, and use his length to disrupt Inoue’s rhythm. This matchup becomes a test of Picasso’s discipline and durability versus Inoue’s championship pedigree and elite finishing instincts.
Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso Predictions
Boxing betting odds list Inoue as a massive favorite, reflecting both his dominance and Picasso’s leap in competition level. Expect Inoue to apply early pressure, using feints, angles, and sharp counters to close the gap on Picasso’s reach. Picasso’s best path is to maintain range, stay active behind the jab, and avoid being trapped along the ropes where Inoue’s body attack becomes most dangerous. If Picasso can extend the fight and force a tactical rhythm, he becomes more competitive — but Inoue’s ability to adjust, accelerate, and break opponents down over time gives him a decisive edge.
The prediction leans strongly toward Inoue by stoppage, with Picasso showing resilience early before Inoue’s power, accuracy, and championship experience take control.
Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso Betting Tips
- Moneyline: Inoue enters as an overwhelming favorite, with Picasso offering long-shot value for bettors seeking a major upset.
- Method of Victory: Inoue by knockout is the most reliable angle given his elite finishing rate and Picasso’s step up in opposition.
- Props: The fight not going the distance is a popular play, with Inoue’s power posing a constant threat.
- Rounds & Totals: With Inoue’s measured approach and Picasso’s durability, the over in the rounds betting may attract some interest, but Inoue’s ability to close the show remains the defining factor and why we are picking the under.
Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso Key Stats & Tale of the Tape
- Naoya Inoue: 31–0 (27 KOs), age 32, height 5’5”, reach 67.5”, orthodox. Four-division champion with elite power, precision, and championship experience.
- David Picasso: 32–0–1 (17 KOs), age 25, height 5’8”, reach 70”, orthodox. Undefeated contender with length, discipline, and steady technical development.
- Records & Form: Inoue defending his undisputed crown; Picasso riding a long unbeaten streak.
- Physical Edge: Picasso owns advantages in height and reach; Inoue counters with speed, power, and elite ring IQ.
- Venue & Broadcast: Mohammed Abdo Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — DAZN Pay-Per-View worldwide.
The tale of the tape highlights a classic matchup: a dominant, pound-for-pound champion at his peak versus an undefeated, physically longer challenger seeking a career-defining breakthrough. Picasso brings tools and confidence, but the edges tilt toward Inoue’s power, precision, and ability to dictate the terms of the fight.
