{"id":622643,"date":"2025-12-09T18:02:48","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T18:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/622643\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T18:02:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T18:02:48","slug":"is-inoue-burning-out-before-nakatani-after-4-fights-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/622643\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Inoue Burning Out Before Nakatani After 4 Fights In 2025?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Naoya Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) looks worn out, preparing for his low-risk tune-up fight against contender Alan Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs) on December 27th at the Mohammed Abdo Arena, Riyadh.<\/p>\n

Picasso: Safe Pick, Low Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Picasso isn\u2019t a threat to beating him and is ideal for Inoue to showcase his skills while picking up another big payday. Naoya won\u2019t absorb as much punishment against the non-puncher Picasso as he has in recent outings. He\u2019ll make Inoue look like 24k gold, even if he\u2019s not.<\/p>\n

Visible Wear on Inoue\u2019s Face<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the 32-year-old Inoue\u2019s fourth fight in 2025. One can tell from his aged appearance that activity has taken a toll on him from fighting this frequently. He\u2019s making good money, obviously, but physically, \u2018The Monster\u2019 Inoue looks to have aged 5+ years<\/strong> since 2024. His appearance is closer to that of a 40-year-old than to someone in their 20s.<\/p>\n

Naoya is putting himself at risk of burnout ahead of his big 2026 matchup against Junto Nakatani. That\u2019s the one that fans want to see. If Inoue is a depleted, worn-out shell of himself when he finally does face Junto next year, we could see him get knocked out.<\/p>\n

Damage Adding Up at 122<\/strong><\/p>\n

Naoya\u2019s second-round loss to Ramon Cardenas in May 2025 was a red flag ahead of next year\u2019s match against Nakatani. Cramming all these fights into one year has affected \u2018The Monster.\u2019 While he is still knocking them out, he\u2019s taking punishment along the way. The guys Inoue is fighting or landing big shots on him. He\u2019s getting hit a lot more than he used to when he fought at 108, 112, 115, and 118.<\/p>\n

Inoue vs. Picasso is the headliner on the \u2018Ring V: Night of the Samurai\u2019 card on DAZN PPV. The event costs $59.99.<\/p>\n

Fans See a Mismatch, Not a Test<\/p>\n

Picasso, 24, is given no chance of defeating Inoue or even competing. That\u2019s one reason U.S. fans haven\u2019t shown much interest in this fight. They know a mismatch when they see one.<\/p>\n

126 Waiting Room: Espinoza & Leo<\/strong><\/p>\n