Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Eddie Hearn: ‘We are promoting more and more shows with Riyadh Season’
From the outside looking in, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing now appears to be the go-to promotional outfit for Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh.
Previously, it seemed that allegedly’s Queensberry Promotions was the primary promoter for Riyadh Season events, with Warren leading shows in Saudi Arabia. However, that looks to be changing. Hearn will be staging his first show in Saudi this Saturday, an event labeled “The Night of The Samurai”, featuring some of Japan’s finest boxing talent, including Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani. Notably, there are no fighters signed with Matchroom appearing on the card.
Hearn was asked about his current relationship with Saudi Arabia and Alalshikh.
“That'll be the first show in Saudi we've actually promoted as the lead promoter,” Hearn told BS. “We were the lead promoter for Conor Benn-Chris Eubank Jnr II recently, and the one before. We were the lead promoter in Times Square for The Ring card. So yeah, we do a great job for them. I think that one thing is that [Turki Alalshikh] has always supported all the promotional companies. Like, if you look at these sponsorship deals that he does, you'll see Riyadh Season up everywhere with our shows, Queensberry shows, Boxxer shows, Top Rank, Golden Boy.
“He sponsors all of the companies and he supports everybody. It's a pretty cool thing to do. Obviously, over time, I think he'll also get people he likes to work with and he'll only give people certain responsibilities that he feels are good enough to do it. So we are promoting more and more shows now with Ring Magazine and Riyadh Season, and it's an honour to do so.”
When Hearn first took over Matchroom Boxing from his father Barry, he shared a broadcaster with several other promotional outfits. After signing an exclusive broadcast deal with Sky Sports, the company flourished. Now, with multiple promoters involved in Saudi events, would Hearn look to become Alalshikh’s exclusive provider?
“I don't think we need to and I don't think they would necessarily be in a position to do that for that reason [supporting the other promotional outfits],” Hearn said. “You do a deal with them and you think, ‘Wow,’ and then you read someone else has done a deal with [Alalshikh]. And that's just the way that he operates and he works, and that's supporting the ecosystem of boxing, which is important.
“So yeah, unless we were made an offer from Saudi Arabia to be the service provider or promoter for those events… I’ve said it before, it's like Terence Crawford against Canelo [Alvarez]. Dana White was the service provider for that event. They don't like to say that, but I don't give a shit. I just do the job and take the money and do an amazing job at the same time. So for ‘The Night of The Samurai’, we are the service provider. We are the promoter who will be servicing the event, running the logistics, and making sure everything is run bang on and that's a privilege to get that opportunity.”
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith also shared his thoughts on the promotional outfit’s growing relationship with Riyadh Season.
“I think we've got a good relationship with them,” Smith told BS. “I think with the team on the ground we work very well. We've delivered a number of shows now with them over the years, especially because we did a number in the US with them of course. So yeah, things are good, things are in a great place with them. They're great to deal with, and as I say, to be part of that journey of delivering the biggest nights in the sport, that's really the focus.”
From the outside looking in, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing now appears to be the go-to promotional outfit for Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh.
Previously, it seemed that allegedly’s Queensberry Promotions was the primary promoter for Riyadh Season events, with Warren leading shows in Saudi Arabia. However, that looks to be changing. Hearn will be staging his first show in Saudi this Saturday, an event labeled “The Night of The Samurai”, featuring some of Japan’s finest boxing talent, including Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani. Notably, there are no fighters signed with Matchroom appearing on the card.
Hearn was asked about his current relationship with Saudi Arabia and Alalshikh.
“That'll be the first show in Saudi we've actually promoted as the lead promoter,” Hearn told BS. “We were the lead promoter for Conor Benn-Chris Eubank Jnr II recently, and the one before. We were the lead promoter in Times Square for The Ring card. So yeah, we do a great job for them. I think that one thing is that [Turki Alalshikh] has always supported all the promotional companies. Like, if you look at these sponsorship deals that he does, you'll see Riyadh Season up everywhere with our shows, Queensberry shows, Boxxer shows, Top Rank, Golden Boy.
“He sponsors all of the companies and he supports everybody. It's a pretty cool thing to do. Obviously, over time, I think he'll also get people he likes to work with and he'll only give people certain responsibilities that he feels are good enough to do it. So we are promoting more and more shows now with Ring Magazine and Riyadh Season, and it's an honour to do so.”
When Hearn first took over Matchroom Boxing from his father Barry, he shared a broadcaster with several other promotional outfits. After signing an exclusive broadcast deal with Sky Sports, the company flourished. Now, with multiple promoters involved in Saudi events, would Hearn look to become Alalshikh’s exclusive provider?
“I don't think we need to and I don't think they would necessarily be in a position to do that for that reason [supporting the other promotional outfits],” Hearn said. “You do a deal with them and you think, ‘Wow,’ and then you read someone else has done a deal with [Alalshikh]. And that's just the way that he operates and he works, and that's supporting the ecosystem of boxing, which is important.
“So yeah, unless we were made an offer from Saudi Arabia to be the service provider or promoter for those events… I’ve said it before, it's like Terence Crawford against Canelo [Alvarez]. Dana White was the service provider for that event. They don't like to say that, but I don't give a shit. I just do the job and take the money and do an amazing job at the same time. So for ‘The Night of The Samurai’, we are the service provider. We are the promoter who will be servicing the event, running the logistics, and making sure everything is run bang on and that's a privilege to get that opportunity.”
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith also shared his thoughts on the promotional outfit’s growing relationship with Riyadh Season.
“I think we've got a good relationship with them,” Smith told BS. “I think with the team on the ground we work very well. We've delivered a number of shows now with them over the years, especially because we did a number in the US with them of course. So yeah, things are good, things are in a great place with them. They're great to deal with, and as I say, to be part of that journey of delivering the biggest nights in the sport, that's really the focus.”
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
A 1-on-1 with undisputed champion Naoya Inoue ahead of Ring V: Part II
This interview with Naoya Inoue was conducted on November 25 at the Ohashi Gym in Yokohama. Earlier that morning, his younger brother Takuma had his post-fight press conference following his victory in the WBC bantamweight title bout the previous day (In Japan, it is customary for the winner to appear not only immediately after the fight but also at a press conference the following day.). Coming right on the heels of Takuma’s victory over the highly regarded Tenshin Nasukawa, the eldest brother was also in an exceptionally good mood. Part I of Inoue's interview that ran earlier can be found here heading into his Dec. 27 matchup with Alan Picasso on DAZN.
After watching some footage of Picasso, what do you consider his strengths?
"From the highlight I’ve seen, Picasso looks like a hardworking fighter. I don’t feel he has one standout weapon, but like a typical Mexican fighter, he battles with great effort. What I’m most cautious about is what I experienced with Ramon Cardenas in May, fighters facing me often perform above their usual level. I have to be wary of that.”
At the press conference you said you would fight a "Picasso-specific style." Does that mean a more aggressive fight compared to the Akhmadaliev bout?
“I did say that, but preparing specific strategies for each opponent — studying how to fight that particular boxer — is something I do for every fight. I think I’ll be more aggressive, yes, but since Picasso is tall, there will be things I need to read carefully. I want to react and adapt well in every moment.”
Immediately after the Akhmadaliev fight you yelled toward ringside, "Who says I’ve declined?" Who was that directed at — media? The fans?
“Both the media and fans who thought that. I was knocked down against Luis Nery and against Cardenas, but I understood exactly why those knockdowns happened. Some people said two knockdowns in a year meant my reflexes were slowing or that I was declining, but it wasn’t due to age or dulled reactions. I think my performance showed clearly that this wasn’t the case.”
You said the Akhmadaliev fight was about “patience.” You’ve always been able to box like that, but when was the last time you decided to fight that way? Was it the first time?
“Let me clarify: When fighting true champion-level opponents, I don’t go in thinking I will force a knockout. If an opportunity comes naturally, I take it. Of course, there are fights where you must knock your opponent out or shouldn’t let it go to the scorecards. But in fights like Fulton, Marlon Tapales, Nery, and Akhmadaliev, since moving up to super bantamweight,I never went in planning to force a stoppage. What was unique about the Akhmadaliev fight was that even when I saw moments where I could have gone for the finish, I held myself back. That was the first time in my career.”
You’ve always cared about entertaining fans. Was there conflict in holding back instead of going for the KO?
“Of course there was. But I also understand that this is my weakness now. Opposing teams strategizing for me know this, too. They think my desire to entertain makes me attack aggressively at times, and that those moments are openings. So I’ve started thinking that maybe I don’t need to prioritize entertaining the fans in every fight.”
Do you have an ideal style today? Does it change depending on the opponent?
“My ideal is the Akhmadaliev style with the finish — hit without getting hit — and then decisively close the show. To achieve that, I need to enter every fight with the same level of concentration and motivation as I did for Akhmadaliev. Whether I can do that again for Picasso, that’s the challenge. I intend to.”
Your fight with Junto Nakatani, scheduled for May, is becoming more concrete. How do you position that fight?
“Of course, I see it as a big fight. I rate his ability highly. A matchup that generates this much excitement in Japan doesn’t come around often.”
You’ve watched footage of him for years. Do you now view him as an opponent? Has your attitude toward him changed?
“I definitely view him as a future opponent. My behavior toward him hasn’t changed, but mentally, yes, there’s awareness on both sides.”
At the awards ceremony in March, you called out to him, saying, "Let’s light up the Tokyo Dome in a year." Was that an intentional promotional move to help build the fight?
“If we’re going to do it, we need to create momentum. Not just make the fight happen, but create a story leading up to it. Fighting on the same Saudi card and then facing each other next May, that’s a perfect storyline. If I hadn’t called him out then, maybe we wouldn’t be fighting together in Saudi now. Even if he moved up to super bantamweight, it might not have been this early.”
You’re fighting four times this year, an unusually high pace for a modern top-level boxer. How is your condition now?
“I’m always in fighting condition, so I feel comfortable. I can stay in battle mode all the time. It’s easy for me, but four fights a year puts a huge workload on Chairman [Ohashi of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange] and the staff so I worry more about them (laughs).”
Is it easier for you to stay in condition with this schedule?
“Yes, it’s easier. My lifestyle feels very smooth — comfortable, even. If I only fought twice a year, the pace would slow down. The off-period becomes longer and it’s difficult to stay mentally sharp for six months straight without a fight. For me, having four fights this year wasn’t bad. But that only happened because the Sam Goodman fight at the end of last year fell through, which pushed the Ye-Joon Kim fight into this year. So in reality, it’s six fights over two years. Ideally, I think three fights a year — spring, summer and winter — is the best rhythm.”
Some might think that fighting often means you’re always tense and under pressure. But that’s not necessarily the case?
“I can do it because I love boxing. I love training, and I love fighting. Even if I’m keyed up all year, preparing for those three fights is something I enjoy, so it never feels difficult.
“If I didn’t [love boxing], I would have quit long ago. I’ve already accomplished enough that I could stop whenever I want. If I didn’t love it, I’d have retired by now.”
Will next year also be three fights, around May, September, and December?
“I’ve heard it might be two fights next year. If that happens, it would probably be May and then either November or December.”
Physically, have you felt any aging — fatigue, recovery issues?
“No. My stamina hasn’t declined at all. As you saw in the Akhmadaliev fight, I can move for 12 rounds with no issues. My reactions to punches haven’t faded, either. So the challenge is maintaining that sense of tension. At the same time, emotionally I’m more stable now. Not just in boxing, but through life experiences. I feel things are coming together in a positive way.”
You’ve said you can think more in the ring now. Does that mean you’re improving?
“Yes. Even in training, when I was younger I just worked blindly or relied on physical strength. Now I can give meaning to each session. I can decide, ‘Today I’ll work on this.’ In that sense, aging has brought more fulfillment.”
Will you move up to featherweight next year? Or you might stay at super bantamweight a little longer?
I can still fight at super bantamweight without any issues. Making weight is not difficult for me at all. I don’t think there’s any need to move up unless there’s a real reason.”
What are your thoughts on Bam Rodriguez, the undefeated KO artist and Ring champion at 115 pounds?
“I think he’s strong, although I’ve never watched one of his fights in full. He’s the type of boxer I like, and stylistically I think the matchup would work very well and it would be a fun fight. If he moves up in weight, he could absolutely be one of the possible opponents. But right now he’s still fighting at super flyweight.”
When will you next come to the United States?
“If I’m only fighting twice next year, the May fight will be in Japan, and then it depends where the other fight ends up. As of now, nothing is decided beyond May, so there’s no discussion yet. If there’s an opportunity to fight in the U.S., I’d definitely like to do it again.”
This interview with Naoya Inoue was conducted on November 25 at the Ohashi Gym in Yokohama. Earlier that morning, his younger brother Takuma had his post-fight press conference following his victory in the WBC bantamweight title bout the previous day (In Japan, it is customary for the winner to appear not only immediately after the fight but also at a press conference the following day.). Coming right on the heels of Takuma’s victory over the highly regarded Tenshin Nasukawa, the eldest brother was also in an exceptionally good mood. Part I of Inoue's interview that ran earlier can be found here heading into his Dec. 27 matchup with Alan Picasso on DAZN.
After watching some footage of Picasso, what do you consider his strengths?
"From the highlight I’ve seen, Picasso looks like a hardworking fighter. I don’t feel he has one standout weapon, but like a typical Mexican fighter, he battles with great effort. What I’m most cautious about is what I experienced with Ramon Cardenas in May, fighters facing me often perform above their usual level. I have to be wary of that.”
At the press conference you said you would fight a "Picasso-specific style." Does that mean a more aggressive fight compared to the Akhmadaliev bout?
“I did say that, but preparing specific strategies for each opponent — studying how to fight that particular boxer — is something I do for every fight. I think I’ll be more aggressive, yes, but since Picasso is tall, there will be things I need to read carefully. I want to react and adapt well in every moment.”
Immediately after the Akhmadaliev fight you yelled toward ringside, "Who says I’ve declined?" Who was that directed at — media? The fans?
“Both the media and fans who thought that. I was knocked down against Luis Nery and against Cardenas, but I understood exactly why those knockdowns happened. Some people said two knockdowns in a year meant my reflexes were slowing or that I was declining, but it wasn’t due to age or dulled reactions. I think my performance showed clearly that this wasn’t the case.”
You said the Akhmadaliev fight was about “patience.” You’ve always been able to box like that, but when was the last time you decided to fight that way? Was it the first time?
“Let me clarify: When fighting true champion-level opponents, I don’t go in thinking I will force a knockout. If an opportunity comes naturally, I take it. Of course, there are fights where you must knock your opponent out or shouldn’t let it go to the scorecards. But in fights like Fulton, Marlon Tapales, Nery, and Akhmadaliev, since moving up to super bantamweight,I never went in planning to force a stoppage. What was unique about the Akhmadaliev fight was that even when I saw moments where I could have gone for the finish, I held myself back. That was the first time in my career.”
You’ve always cared about entertaining fans. Was there conflict in holding back instead of going for the KO?
“Of course there was. But I also understand that this is my weakness now. Opposing teams strategizing for me know this, too. They think my desire to entertain makes me attack aggressively at times, and that those moments are openings. So I’ve started thinking that maybe I don’t need to prioritize entertaining the fans in every fight.”
Do you have an ideal style today? Does it change depending on the opponent?
“My ideal is the Akhmadaliev style with the finish — hit without getting hit — and then decisively close the show. To achieve that, I need to enter every fight with the same level of concentration and motivation as I did for Akhmadaliev. Whether I can do that again for Picasso, that’s the challenge. I intend to.”
Your fight with Junto Nakatani, scheduled for May, is becoming more concrete. How do you position that fight?
“Of course, I see it as a big fight. I rate his ability highly. A matchup that generates this much excitement in Japan doesn’t come around often.”
You’ve watched footage of him for years. Do you now view him as an opponent? Has your attitude toward him changed?
“I definitely view him as a future opponent. My behavior toward him hasn’t changed, but mentally, yes, there’s awareness on both sides.”
At the awards ceremony in March, you called out to him, saying, "Let’s light up the Tokyo Dome in a year." Was that an intentional promotional move to help build the fight?
“If we’re going to do it, we need to create momentum. Not just make the fight happen, but create a story leading up to it. Fighting on the same Saudi card and then facing each other next May, that’s a perfect storyline. If I hadn’t called him out then, maybe we wouldn’t be fighting together in Saudi now. Even if he moved up to super bantamweight, it might not have been this early.”
You’re fighting four times this year, an unusually high pace for a modern top-level boxer. How is your condition now?
“I’m always in fighting condition, so I feel comfortable. I can stay in battle mode all the time. It’s easy for me, but four fights a year puts a huge workload on Chairman [Ohashi of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange] and the staff so I worry more about them (laughs).”
Is it easier for you to stay in condition with this schedule?
“Yes, it’s easier. My lifestyle feels very smooth — comfortable, even. If I only fought twice a year, the pace would slow down. The off-period becomes longer and it’s difficult to stay mentally sharp for six months straight without a fight. For me, having four fights this year wasn’t bad. But that only happened because the Sam Goodman fight at the end of last year fell through, which pushed the Ye-Joon Kim fight into this year. So in reality, it’s six fights over two years. Ideally, I think three fights a year — spring, summer and winter — is the best rhythm.”
Some might think that fighting often means you’re always tense and under pressure. But that’s not necessarily the case?
“I can do it because I love boxing. I love training, and I love fighting. Even if I’m keyed up all year, preparing for those three fights is something I enjoy, so it never feels difficult.
“If I didn’t [love boxing], I would have quit long ago. I’ve already accomplished enough that I could stop whenever I want. If I didn’t love it, I’d have retired by now.”
Will next year also be three fights, around May, September, and December?
“I’ve heard it might be two fights next year. If that happens, it would probably be May and then either November or December.”
Physically, have you felt any aging — fatigue, recovery issues?
“No. My stamina hasn’t declined at all. As you saw in the Akhmadaliev fight, I can move for 12 rounds with no issues. My reactions to punches haven’t faded, either. So the challenge is maintaining that sense of tension. At the same time, emotionally I’m more stable now. Not just in boxing, but through life experiences. I feel things are coming together in a positive way.”
You’ve said you can think more in the ring now. Does that mean you’re improving?
“Yes. Even in training, when I was younger I just worked blindly or relied on physical strength. Now I can give meaning to each session. I can decide, ‘Today I’ll work on this.’ In that sense, aging has brought more fulfillment.”
Will you move up to featherweight next year? Or you might stay at super bantamweight a little longer?
I can still fight at super bantamweight without any issues. Making weight is not difficult for me at all. I don’t think there’s any need to move up unless there’s a real reason.”
What are your thoughts on Bam Rodriguez, the undefeated KO artist and Ring champion at 115 pounds?
“I think he’s strong, although I’ve never watched one of his fights in full. He’s the type of boxer I like, and stylistically I think the matchup would work very well and it would be a fun fight. If he moves up in weight, he could absolutely be one of the possible opponents. But right now he’s still fighting at super flyweight.”
When will you next come to the United States?
“If I’m only fighting twice next year, the May fight will be in Japan, and then it depends where the other fight ends up. As of now, nothing is decided beyond May, so there’s no discussion yet. If there’s an opportunity to fight in the U.S., I’d definitely like to do it again.”
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Alan Picasso: Life-Changing Destiny Awaits As Naoya Inoue Clash Draws Near
Alan Picasso knows exactly why practically everyone is counting him out.
He's just days away from boxing someone universally regarded as one of the world's best three fighters. Beating Naoya Inoue on December 27 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, won't come easy, but everything about their clash feels like something written out of a movie.
Picasso's believes this is the part where he steps into the main role and becomes a star.
"There are books that have a chapter where everything starts to become chaotic," Picasso told DAZN recently. "Where the most interesting part of the story begins, I think I’m at that moment. It's going to completely change our lives."
Unsurprisingly, Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) has spent his 2025 being active and dominant. The 32-year-old Ring and undisputed junior featherweight champion scored consecutive stoppage victories over Ye Joon Kim and Ramon Cardenas.
When stopping his opponent wasn't an option, such as against former champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev on September 14, the pound-for-pound star opted for Plan B, boxing and moving while cruising to a wide decision victory.
The Ring's No. 4 122-pounder isn't worried about what Inoue brings. In previous years, he, too, has been incredibly active. In 2024, he made five appearances, including a 12-round points win over Azat Hovhannisyan that August, and remained unbeaten.
This year, he earned a 10-round majority decision win over Kyonosuke Kameda as part of the Mario Barrios-Manny Pacquiao undercard on July 19.
Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs) has largely flown under the radar in his native Mexico but now been granted an opportunity of a lifetime and is refusing to waste it this weekend.
"We know what this fight represents," he said.
Alan Picasso knows exactly why practically everyone is counting him out.
He's just days away from boxing someone universally regarded as one of the world's best three fighters. Beating Naoya Inoue on December 27 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, won't come easy, but everything about their clash feels like something written out of a movie.
Picasso's believes this is the part where he steps into the main role and becomes a star.
"There are books that have a chapter where everything starts to become chaotic," Picasso told DAZN recently. "Where the most interesting part of the story begins, I think I’m at that moment. It's going to completely change our lives."
Unsurprisingly, Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) has spent his 2025 being active and dominant. The 32-year-old Ring and undisputed junior featherweight champion scored consecutive stoppage victories over Ye Joon Kim and Ramon Cardenas.
When stopping his opponent wasn't an option, such as against former champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev on September 14, the pound-for-pound star opted for Plan B, boxing and moving while cruising to a wide decision victory.
The Ring's No. 4 122-pounder isn't worried about what Inoue brings. In previous years, he, too, has been incredibly active. In 2024, he made five appearances, including a 12-round points win over Azat Hovhannisyan that August, and remained unbeaten.
This year, he earned a 10-round majority decision win over Kyonosuke Kameda as part of the Mario Barrios-Manny Pacquiao undercard on July 19.
Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs) has largely flown under the radar in his native Mexico but now been granted an opportunity of a lifetime and is refusing to waste it this weekend.
"We know what this fight represents," he said.
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
I like how Inoue beat all of Eddies fighters, after all his sh!t talking, and now he has to promote his fights haha.
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
KENSHIRO TERAJI EXCITED TO SHOW RENEWED ENERGY IN THIRD WEIGHT CLASS
RIYADH, Saudia Arabia -- Somewhat lost in the perpetual buzz surrounding the mooted superfight between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani and their pending bouts this weekend is another amazing Japanese fighter.
Former two-weight world champion Kenshiro Teraji, 'The Amazing Boy', hopes to claim a third divisional title at the expense of Mexico's IBF junior bantamweight titleholder Willibaldo Garcia when the pair throw down at the Mohammed Abdo Arena on Saturday.
Teraji (25-2, 16 KOs) is boxing royalty in his home country and a Hall of Fame lock. Over the past decade, the 33-year-old boxer-puncher has won 16 of 18 world title bouts, posting notable wins over the likes of Ganigan Lopez (twice), Masamichi Yabuki, Hiroto Kyoguchi, Hekkie Budler, Carlos Canizales, and Seigo Yuri Akui.
However, Teraji is coming off July's heartbreaking 12-round majority decision loss to Ricardo Sandoval, which saw him surrender his unified flyweight crown. That colossal upset defeat led many fans and experts to believe Teraji was struggling to make 112 pounds, a notion he was eager to dismiss.
"I could have done the weight cut to make flyweight but was given this chance to fight Garcia for the title, so that's why I moved up," Teraji told The Ring via a translator. "Making weight has obviously been easier for me. I've also been able to practice very hard and get myself prepared.
"I’ve enjoyed the last few days in Riyadh and I’m excited to be here."
Garcia, The Ring's No. 8-rated junior bantamweight contender, has had a tough climb to the top.
Turning professional in 2017, he lost four of his first six fights and was essentially learning on the job. He dropped close decisions to future titlist Alexandro Santiago and former two-weight world champ Paul Butler, but all the while, the 36-year-old slugger improved.
In his two most recent bouts, the determined Garcia fought to a draw against Rene Calixto before scoring a close split decision triumph over his countryman for the vacant IBF title. This weekend's fight will be his maiden defense and the biggest fight of his life.
"[Garcia is] aggressive and wants to get close, so it's very important to control the distance against him," Teraji stated. "I plan to box both long and in close to see what my opponent does. I'll then decide the best way to fight him in order to win.
"I have more energy, power, and more speed in this division, so we’ll see how the fight goes."
Despite unifying at junior flyweight and flyweight, Teraji is yet to become an undisputed champion. Should he defeat Garcia, there may be an opportunity to face pound-for-pound stalwart Bam Rodriguez, who currently holds the Ring, WBA, WBC and WBO 115-pound titles.
One potential roadblock to that fight transpiring, however, is Australian star and IBF mandatory challenger Andrew Moloney, who has been ordered to face the Garcia-Teraji winner by June 25. While Teraji couldn't shed any light on how that situation would play out, his eyes widened when Bam's name was mentioned.
"I didn't watch the full fight between Bam Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez," said Teraji, who is admittedly not a fight fan. "From what I did see, including the knockout, Bam was very strong and had great timing.
"If I should win [against Garcia] and become champion, then I would plan to fight Bam sometime in 2026. However, before that can happen, I must win this fight."
A battle between Bam and Teraji would feature two future Hall of Famers who always bring the heat. In terms of superfights at 115 pounds, this one would be the gold standard.
RIYADH, Saudia Arabia -- Somewhat lost in the perpetual buzz surrounding the mooted superfight between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani and their pending bouts this weekend is another amazing Japanese fighter.
Former two-weight world champion Kenshiro Teraji, 'The Amazing Boy', hopes to claim a third divisional title at the expense of Mexico's IBF junior bantamweight titleholder Willibaldo Garcia when the pair throw down at the Mohammed Abdo Arena on Saturday.
Teraji (25-2, 16 KOs) is boxing royalty in his home country and a Hall of Fame lock. Over the past decade, the 33-year-old boxer-puncher has won 16 of 18 world title bouts, posting notable wins over the likes of Ganigan Lopez (twice), Masamichi Yabuki, Hiroto Kyoguchi, Hekkie Budler, Carlos Canizales, and Seigo Yuri Akui.
However, Teraji is coming off July's heartbreaking 12-round majority decision loss to Ricardo Sandoval, which saw him surrender his unified flyweight crown. That colossal upset defeat led many fans and experts to believe Teraji was struggling to make 112 pounds, a notion he was eager to dismiss.
"I could have done the weight cut to make flyweight but was given this chance to fight Garcia for the title, so that's why I moved up," Teraji told The Ring via a translator. "Making weight has obviously been easier for me. I've also been able to practice very hard and get myself prepared.
"I’ve enjoyed the last few days in Riyadh and I’m excited to be here."
Garcia, The Ring's No. 8-rated junior bantamweight contender, has had a tough climb to the top.
Turning professional in 2017, he lost four of his first six fights and was essentially learning on the job. He dropped close decisions to future titlist Alexandro Santiago and former two-weight world champ Paul Butler, but all the while, the 36-year-old slugger improved.
In his two most recent bouts, the determined Garcia fought to a draw against Rene Calixto before scoring a close split decision triumph over his countryman for the vacant IBF title. This weekend's fight will be his maiden defense and the biggest fight of his life.
"[Garcia is] aggressive and wants to get close, so it's very important to control the distance against him," Teraji stated. "I plan to box both long and in close to see what my opponent does. I'll then decide the best way to fight him in order to win.
"I have more energy, power, and more speed in this division, so we’ll see how the fight goes."
Despite unifying at junior flyweight and flyweight, Teraji is yet to become an undisputed champion. Should he defeat Garcia, there may be an opportunity to face pound-for-pound stalwart Bam Rodriguez, who currently holds the Ring, WBA, WBC and WBO 115-pound titles.
One potential roadblock to that fight transpiring, however, is Australian star and IBF mandatory challenger Andrew Moloney, who has been ordered to face the Garcia-Teraji winner by June 25. While Teraji couldn't shed any light on how that situation would play out, his eyes widened when Bam's name was mentioned.
"I didn't watch the full fight between Bam Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez," said Teraji, who is admittedly not a fight fan. "From what I did see, including the knockout, Bam was very strong and had great timing.
"If I should win [against Garcia] and become champion, then I would plan to fight Bam sometime in 2026. However, before that can happen, I must win this fight."
A battle between Bam and Teraji would feature two future Hall of Famers who always bring the heat. In terms of superfights at 115 pounds, this one would be the gold standard.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Naoya Inoue vs Alan Picasso weigh-in results:
Naoya Inoue - 121.5lbs
Alan Picasso - 121.1lbs-
Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Breaking: Willibaldo Garcia’s IBF super-flyweight world title fight against Kenshiro Teraji has been cancelled after Garcia fell ill and was admitted to the hospital following the ceremonial weigh-ins.Turki Alalshikh calls out two fighters to be last-minute replacements
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Sendo Takeshi
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
F*ck me. That's too bad. At least we still have Nakatani and Inoue.
Is Turki actually calling a 1-0 fighter out to fight Kenshiro? FFS haha
Is Turki actually calling a 1-0 fighter out to fight Kenshiro? FFS haha
Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
So I just had a look at this David Picasso fellow's most recent bout, and I don't think Inoue has much to worry about from this dude. He's going to be rangy, but he gets hit fairly easy, and Inoue is going to have the speed and power advantage as well.
Best case scenario for Picasso is he wins 2 or 3 rounds, and that all depends on whether he'll be able to take the punches of Inoue well enough to stick around.
I'm thinking Inoue TKO 8.
Best case scenario for Picasso is he wins 2 or 3 rounds, and that all depends on whether he'll be able to take the punches of Inoue well enough to stick around.
I'm thinking Inoue TKO 8.
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Sendo Takeshi
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
I don't think Inoue is in much danger either. I just don't see anything Picasso could offer him.
Nakatanis opponent is alot more dangerous in my opinion.
Charlie Edwards, older brother of Sunny Edwards, commented repeated that he wants to jump in to fight Kenshiro.
I hope they could arrange it, I don't think there was enough time though.
Nakatanis opponent is alot more dangerous in my opinion.
Charlie Edwards, older brother of Sunny Edwards, commented repeated that he wants to jump in to fight Kenshiro.
I hope they could arrange it, I don't think there was enough time though.
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gregregegg
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Oh this is scheduled for Japan prime time. Nice. I had just assumed it was gunna be like the rest of the Saudi cards, which have been basically England time… now that makes no sense, but it’s what I had thought.
Would have 100% missed this if I didn’t just check the odds.
Would have 100% missed this if I didn’t just check the odds.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Live from Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh on 27 December 2025
Ring Magazine presents: Ring V - Night Of The Samurai
Preliminary Card: | Price: Free
DAZN: 9 am GMT | Price: £22.99 p/m
DAZN US: 1 am ET | 4 am PT | Price: $44.99 p/m
Rest of the World prices
Standalone PPV: $69.99 (U.S. & Canada), £19.99 (UK), and $24.99 or equivalent in the rest of the world.
Running Order
Main Card - 9 am GMT | 1 am ET | 4 am PT | 12 pm KSA
First Bell ~ 9:10 am GMT
10 Round Super Bantamweight Contest
Reito Tsutsumi vs. Leobardo Quintana Sanchez
Followed by ~ 9:54 am GMT
10 Round Lightweight Contest
Taiga Imanaga vs. Eridson Garcia
Followed by ~ 10:47 am GMT
IBF Super Flyweight Championship
Willibaldo Garcia Perez vs. Kenshiro Teraji
Followed by ~ 11:47 am GMT
12 Round Super Bantamweight Contest
Junto Nakatani vs. Sebastian Hernandez Reyes
Followed by ~ 12:57 pm GMT
Undisputed Super Bantamweight Championship
Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Above the was the original running order and times.
Before Teraji’s fight was cancelled.
Before Teraji’s fight was cancelled.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Ok..
So the start time has been pushed forward and hour..
So the start time has been pushed forward and hour..
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gregregegg
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
I’ll tell you what is a criminal missed oppertunity on these cards given it’s an actual global platform… not having a few extra fights and a slightly longer lead in and lean into the time difference….(also insurance for people pulling out).
So for this card for example you could put an Aus vs nz fight on the early undercard… and it would be prime time for Aus and nz. And start them watching the card.
If it’s a big USA fight card you can put a good uk fighter on the early prelim and it’s prime time in uk…
If you have a uk fight night you can put an African or a middle eastern person on the undercard. Or Indian very early on the undercard…
The main priority should be just the flow of the live show… but being able to showcase global talent on early prelims and still have them prime time in a key audience is such a bonus. And it gives a reason to get eyes on early.
So for this card for example you could put an Aus vs nz fight on the early undercard… and it would be prime time for Aus and nz. And start them watching the card.
If it’s a big USA fight card you can put a good uk fighter on the early prelim and it’s prime time in uk…
If you have a uk fight night you can put an African or a middle eastern person on the undercard. Or Indian very early on the undercard…
The main priority should be just the flow of the live show… but being able to showcase global talent on early prelims and still have them prime time in a key audience is such a bonus. And it gives a reason to get eyes on early.
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Sendo Takeshi
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Turki: “The Japanese boxer doesn’t want to go home without a fight.”
Also Turki probaly: “Someone tell this gentleman that I don’t care what he wants."
Poor Kenshiro.
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gregregegg
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Whats the story with the tsutsumi guys (assume brothers).... Where did there hype come from? not stand out amatures, havent done anything yet... Is it just turki likes em?
Weird to have japanese 130ish lbers no olympic medal just instantly hyped.
I dont hate it, i really like japanese boxing (well mainly inoue....)
Weird to have japanese 130ish lbers no olympic medal just instantly hyped.
I dont hate it, i really like japanese boxing (well mainly inoue....)
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gregregegg
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Really good first round. pretty close. Tsutsumi wins it based on what i think was a big shot that stagered his man... but on replay it was more a push and trip.
10-10... fence sitting.
10-10... fence sitting.
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gregregegg
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
This is a lil war.... Tsutsumi surely isnt going to world levle... but he is fun.
I expect tsutsumi to eventualy win the war of body shots, (his body is more compact and sturdy looking).
I expect tsutsumi to eventualy win the war of body shots, (his body is more compact and sturdy looking).
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gregregegg
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Really fun fight. id tune in to tsutsumi vs any more tough mexicans any day...
I instinctivly kinda question his ability to be top levle but.... young and unlimited oppertunity so who knows.
I instinctivly kinda question his ability to be top levle but.... young and unlimited oppertunity so who knows.
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catalin714
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Re: Naoya Inoue vs. David Alan Picasso | RING V - December 27, 2025
Reito was junior amateur world champ.gregregegg wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025, 06:21 Whats the story with the tsutsumi guys (assume brothers).... Where did there hype come from? not stand out amatures, havent done anything yet... Is it just turki likes em?
Weird to have japanese 130ish lbers no olympic medal just instantly hyped.
I dont hate it, i really like japanese boxing (well mainly inoue....)