Inoue is coming to USA!

Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue is eyeing a clash in the U.S. against unbeaten yet untested contender Alan Picasso on June 14 in Las Vegas. This is the matchup that Inoue’s co-promoter, Bob Arum, has been touting for months, as he looks to bring one of boxing’s most explosive stars to American soil for a high-profile event.

Picasso comes into this bout with an impeccable record, but his resume doesn’t feature opponents who have challenged a fighter at Inoue’s elite level. The anticipated outcome appears to be similar to Inoue’s recent title defense against untested Ye Joon Kim, where the Japanese displayed his superior skills with ease. While some critics are clamoring for Inoue to face more formidable opposition - names like Rafael Espinoza, Murodjon Akhmadaliev, or Bruce Carrington - they note that the champion seems content to maintain his dominance by choosing less risky opponents like Picasso.

Watch Inoue vs. Kim highlights: Watch

Arum seems to be banking on the appeal of the young Mexican fighter to pull in fans from Southern California and Arizona. However, Picasso’s lack of recognition in the States and Inoue’s limited exposure - having only fought in the U.S. three times in mismatches - could be potential hurdles when it comes to drawing the massive crowds expected. The challenge for the promoter is to convince the American audience that this bout offers more than just a routine title defense.

For those eager to see genuine competition, the matchup raises a key question: should Inoue be challenged by an opponent with a realistic chance to test his mettle, rather than a finesse-level fighter like Picasso? Many believe that if Inoue is to cement his legacy in the U.S., he must eventually step up against tougher, more physically imposing opposition - perhaps someone like the 6’1″ Rafael Espinoza.