Naoya Inoue vs Alan Picasso: Start Time, Streaming, Odds and What’s at Stake in Riyadh Showdown

On Saturday, December 27, 2025, the boxing world turns its attention to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Naoya Inoue defends his undisputed super bantamweight titles against the unbeaten Mexican challenger Alan Picasso. The bout, streaming live on DAZN Pay-Per-View from Mohammed Abdo Arena, is more than just a title defense—it’s a crossroads for both fighters and perhaps for the entire division.

Why does this fight matter? For starters, it’s a classic clash of styles and stories. Inoue, known as “The Monster,” enters the ring with a flawless 31-0 record (27 KOs), a reputation for devastating punching power, and the consensus pound-for-pound status from outlets like ESPN and The Ring. He’s not just a champion; he’s a multi-division force who has conquered light flyweight, junior bantamweight, bantamweight, and now super bantamweight. Meanwhile, Picasso arrives unbeaten at 32-0-1, younger by seven years and taller by three inches, but with a style built on relentless volume rather than knockout power.

Picasso’s journey to this moment is defined by patience and persistence. His July victory over Kyonosuke Kameda, secured on the undercard of Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao, earned him the WBC mandatory challenger spot. Despite a less active year, Picasso has shown he can thrive under pressure and now faces the ultimate test in Inoue. At Friday’s weigh-in, Picasso made it clear: “I will fight for my people.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s ever dreamed of upsetting the odds.

The stakes are sky-high. If Inoue keeps his perfect record, he sets up a blockbuster showdown with fellow Japanese star Junto Nakatani, who’s also fighting on Saturday’s card after moving up to super bantamweight. Nakatani, undefeated and hungry, looms as a future rival, making every round of Inoue’s defense a step toward that seismic clash, likely in 2026.

For Picasso, the opportunity is enormous. A victory would not only shatter Inoue’s aura of invincibility but also stand as one of the biggest upsets in recent Mexican boxing history. The odds are steep—Inoue is a -5000 favorite, Picasso a +1000 underdog according to BetMGM—but boxing history is full of improbable triumphs, and Picasso’s confidence is unshaken.

The fight card itself is loaded, featuring some of Japan’s top talent. Besides the main event, fans will see Junto Nakatani vs Sebastian Hernandez (super bantamweight), Reito Tsutsumi vs Leobardo Quintana (super featherweight), and Taiga Imanaga vs Armando Martinez (lightweight). Originally scheduled to include Willibaldo Garcia vs Kenshiro Teraji (super flyweight), that bout was canceled due to Garcia’s sudden illness after weigh-ins, shifting the main card start time to 5 a.m. ET and the main event ringwalk to approximately 7:57 a.m. ET (Bad Left Hook).

Streaming is straightforward but not free: DAZN offers the event via PPV for $39.99, or as part of their Ultimate Tier subscription. Boxing fans can choose a one-off purchase or monthly/annual plans with DAZN, providing access to a slew of fight nights throughout the year (DAZN).

Behind the numbers, there’s a human drama. Inoue, at 32, is fighting not only to defend his titles but to cement his legacy and potentially claim 2025’s fighter of the year honors. Picasso, at 25, is fighting for national pride, personal glory, and a chance to rewrite the script. Inoue’s net worth is estimated between $7-10 million—hard-earned through years of dominance. Picasso, by contrast, steps into his first world title bout, hoping to walk out as a champion and a hero.

The bout is also a celebration of Japanese boxing’s golden era, showcasing the global rise of Far East talent. As DAZN and other broadcasters bring these fighters to a worldwide audience, the sport’s future feels more connected—and unpredictable—than ever before.

So, what should viewers expect? Inoue’s signature aggression, Picasso’s volume punching, and a tactical battle that could shift with every round. If Picasso can withstand the early storm and push Inoue into deeper waters, the fight could become a war of wills. If Inoue’s power prevails, it may be another highlight-reel knockout and a step toward the next mega-fight.

For those tuning in, the schedule is clear: set your alarms for an early morning, grab your DAZN subscription or PPV, and prepare for a fight that could redefine the super bantamweight landscape.

With both fighters representing the best of their nations and boxing’s future on the line, the Inoue vs Picasso showdown is more than just another title defense—it’s a test of ambition, resilience, and legacy. The result will shape the division and set the stage for even bigger battles ahead.

Sources: USA Today, SI.com, DAZN, Bad Left Hook