Naoya Inoue is gearing up for a pivotal showdown against Alan Picasso, and the anticipation surrounding this match is palpable. Both fighters came face to face for the first time during a press conference held on Thursday, just days before the much-awaited Ring 5: Night of the Samurai event, set to take place in Riyadh on Saturday.
Promoter Eddie Hearn touched down in Saudi Arabia to host this Christmas Day press gathering at the stunning Global Theatre located in Riyadh's Boulevard World. This event promises not only the main event featuring Inoue and Picasso but also showcases other talented fighters, including former bantamweight world champion Junto Nakatani. Nakatani will be stepping up to the junior featherweight category for his debut in that division against Mexico's Sebastian Hernandez. Additionally, Kenshiro Teraji will be defending his title in the junior bantamweight class against Wilibaldo Garcia from Mexico. The card also includes Taiga Imanaga facing Eridson Garcia from Dominica, and Reito Tsutsumi competing against Leobardo Quintana from Mexico.
QUOTES FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE:
Naoya Inoue
"This fight is incredibly significant for my future. The way I perform will play a crucial role in my aspiration to be recognized as the pound-for-pound best. I assure you, there’s absolutely no way that my belts will be returning to Mexico with Alan Picasso. This is a vital match in the super bantamweight division, and I guarantee you’ll see that on Saturday. I’m ready for this challenge. All the Japanese fighters present possess exceptional skills and an unwavering mentality, which has been proven time and again. We all aim to return home to Japan with victorious outcomes."
Alan Picasso
"Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to [His Excellency] Turki Alalshikh, The Ring Magazine, and all the promoters involved. Thank you to everyone who has made this opportunity possible for me. It’s truly remarkable to be here. While I have immense respect for Japan and its fighters, I must say that Saturday won’t just be the ‘Night of the Samurai’—it will be an Azteca night for us. We represent Mexico, and every fighter participating in this event is fighting for our country. We do this with pride, fueled by the passion running through our veins. I have dedicated countless hours and traveled thousands of kilometers in preparation for this moment. Bringing those belts back to Mexico would fill our nation with pride, and I am determined not to let them down."
Junto Nakatani
"I want to extend my gratitude for being invited to such a prestigious event. I have been training diligently and am prepared to showcase my best performance on December 27."
Sebastian Hernandez
"Junto Nakatani is an excellent fighter, and I’m thrilled about this matchup. I’ve put in my utmost effort in preparation, and I intend to give everything I have in this fight as well. Thank you for all the support."
Willibaldo Garcia
"Anyone who thinks I'm going to lose is mistaken. I’m ready to claim victory. I’m prepared for a battle, and I will finish this fight with a knockout."
Kenshiro Teraji
"It's essential for me to perform well and secure a win in what is an incredibly important match for my career. I need to take this significant step forward, so I’m committed to winning this World Title fight. I’ve always wanted to compete against [Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez], so I hope to deliver a strong performance that earns me that opportunity in the future."
Leobardo Quintana
"I’m fully prepared—I’ve been ready for over a week now. I feel incredibly strong and am set for a victory."
Reito Tsutsumi
"I recognize this as a fantastic opportunity to make an impression on a grand stage. That’s why I’m looking forward to enjoying this experience on Saturday and giving it my all."
Eridson Garcia
"I want to thank Matchroom and Turki Alalshikh for bringing me here. I’m ready to surprise everyone and emerge victorious in the fight on Saturday."
Taiga Imanaga
"It’s truly exciting to be in Riyadh, and I aim to solidify my presence on this major platform by striving for victory. I appreciate your continued support."
But here's where it gets controversial: How much does the pressure of national pride weigh on these fighters as they enter the ring? With such high stakes, how do you think they'll perform? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!
