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Naoya Inoue vs. Alan Picasso press conference quotes and fight prediction
Naoya Inoue vs. Alan Picasso press conference quotes and fight prediction
Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) will soon put his undisputed super bantamweight championship at stake against Alan Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs).
Their bout headlines a Ring Magazine card at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) on DAZN. Those in Japan can also get the PPV with Lemino. Note: Inoue-Picasso is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority is responsible for its organization.
Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Dec. 27 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.
Naoya Inoue vs. Alan Picasso press conference quotes
Naoya Inoue
“This bout is going to be escalating my future career [sic] and also how I fight this bout could lead [me back to] my position [as] pound for pound number one,” said Inoue through an interpreter. “So I’d like to do my 100 per cent.”
“I promise you that there’s no chance that those belts are going back to México…”
Alan Picasso
“First of all, all my respect to Japan,” said Picasso through an interpreter. “[And] to all the Japanese team and also to every single person that is here. However, on Saturday it’s not going to be samurai night. I’m so sorry, it’s going to be the Azteca night.”
“First of all, obviously even though we represent México and we represent our land, basically every single Mexican fighter that is here [does it] for our people. We do it because [of] our blood running inside our bodies. Like I’ve said, I’ve been working so hard for this moment. I’ve run thousands of kilometres and I’m so proud of the job I have done. Bringing those belts into México is going to make my country so proud…I’m not going to let you down.”
Fight prediction
Of the 33 professional contests that Picasso has had, 17 have ended with him getting the stoppage. Simply put, his power should be of no concern to Inoue. The undisputed champion will be defensively responsible and gradually break down his opponent. It will only be a matter of time before Picasso is unable to get up from a knockdown. Expect Inoue to win this via stoppage within eight rounds.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Ring Magazine.
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
