Naoya Inoue ready to match boxing legend after making weight in Riyadh

Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso successfully made weight ahead of their fight on Saturday. 

The pair meet in the main event of Ring V: Night of the Samurai, live on DAZN, on a fight card which features five of Japan's best boxers. 

On the scales, the challenger Picasso registered 121.1lbs, while Inoue was slightly heavier at 121.5lbs. 

Inoue could match Holmes Ring Magazine title record with win 

For Inoue, a win over Picasso has two significant implications. 

First of all, it will likely set up a much desired all-Japanese clash with Junto Nakatani who features in the co-main event. 

Secondly, a successful defence of the Ring Magazine super bantamweight title will see him match the record of the legendary Larry Holmes who defended his Ring Magazine heavyweight title four times in a calendar year. 

When asked by Mike Coppinger about why he likes to keep so active when a lot of boxing's superstars are lucky to fight twice a year, Inoue revealed that it's his love for the sweet science which inspires him to keep stepping into the ring. 

"I fight for myself, I want my fans and supporters to see as many matches as possible, and I love boxing," Inoue said.

Inoue will be the favourite to beat Picasso, but the Mexican challenger is ready to pull off a major upset and produce one of the biggest wins in the country's boxing history. 

After stepping off the scales in Riyadh, Picasso was in a confident mood and urged his supporters to keep giving him the confidence come the opening bell. 

"Give me all the confidence you’ve already shown me, I’m going to fight for my people tomorrow," Picasso said in a defiant tone. 

Nakatani promises 'big bang' against Hernandez

While there will be plenty of attention on Inoue-Picasso, the co-main event between Nakatani and Sebastian Hernandez will have similar focus. 

This will be Nakatani's first fight at super bantamweight after enjoying world title success in three lower weight classes, but securing a date with fellow countryman with a win over Hernandez will be his biggest achievement. 

After successfully making weight for the contest and registering 121.6lbs on the scales, Nakatani promised to produce a 'big bang' against the 25-year-old Mexican. 

"My preparation went very well, tomorrow you will see my big bang," Nakatani said.

"It’s going to be my first fight at super bantamweight, I want to have a good experience and then move to the next stage."

Watch Ring V Inoue vs. Picasso on DAZN PPV

Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso headline the Ring V fight night, exclusively on DAZN PPV this Saturday, December 27.

Purchase as a one-off PPV, or get included at no extra cost with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which includes minimum of 12 PPV events per year, plus another 185 fight nights. Monthly and annual options available.

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