Naoya Inoue, the undefeated junior-featherweight champion with an impressive record of 28-0 (25 KOs), seemed set to make a move to featherweight. However, recent developments suggest that this transition might be postponed well into 2025. Beyond his upcoming Christmas Eve title defense at 122 pounds, the powers behind his career are now leaning towards a significant showdown with unbeaten bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani in Japan rather than the United States.

Unraveling the Path of Naoya Inoue's Career

Christmas Eve Title Defense: A Pivotal Moment

Naoya Inoue's Christmas Eve title defense at 122 pounds holds great significance. It is a crucial test for his dominance in the junior-featherweight division. With a record of 28-0 (25 KOs), he has established himself as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters. This defense will showcase his skills and determine his next move in his career.Inoue's opponents on this occasion, such as Australia's Sam Goodman, are no strangers to the ring. Goodman, ranked No. 1 by the WBA and IBF, presents a tough challenge for Inoue. The fight will be a battle of wits and skills, with both fighters vying for supremacy.

The American Promoter's Perspective: Top Rank's Plans

Top Rank, Inoue's American promoter, is angling for an Inoue bout in April in Las Vegas. The front-runner for this fight is Mexico's David Picasso, who has ascended to become Inoue's No. 1 and mandatory contender. Picasso, with a record of 30-0-1 (16 KOs), has shown great promise and is eager to face Inoue.According to Rene Aviles of Picasso's promoter Zanfer, Picasso is asking for this fight. He wants to be a world champion and is ranked No. 1, making an Inoue fight his path. The pitch by Zanfer is that Picasso will provide an entertaining scrap, adding excitement to Inoue's most significant American date yet.While the financial structure of a potential Las Vegas bout remains a work in progress, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum is pursuing the April date. He stated that an announcement will be made after Inoue's Christmas Eve fight. If he performs well, the stage will be set for an epic showdown in Las Vegas.

David Picasso: The Rising Contender

David Picasso has had an impressive year, fighting four times and scheduled for a fifth bout on December 14 in Tijuana. He won a unanimous decision over Erik Ruiz on a January 27 Phoenix card and defeated Damian Vazquez by fifth-round TKO on the May 4 Canelo Alvarez-Munguia card in Las Vegas.Picasso impressed his handlers as a 17-year-old pro when he fought through a cracked rib to win a bout. He is known for his toughness, punching volume, and boxing IQ. Aviles described him as a very smart fighter who has passed all the tests so far and feels ready to face Inoue.However, nothing is settled yet. Picasso's representative expressed patience with the process, understanding that there are options and negotiations underway.Inoue will ultimately determine the direction of his career. His performance on Christmas Eve will play a crucial role in shaping his future. Whether he continues his dominance at 122 pounds or makes a move to featherweight, the boxing world will be watching closely.