Riyadh played host to an exceptional night of boxing on Saturday 27 December, as The Ring V: Night of the Samurai unfolded at the Mohammed Abdu Arena in Boulevard City. The event, a highlight of Riyadh Season 2025, was headlined by a Super Bantamweight World Title contest in which Naoya Inoue overcame Mexican challenger Alan Picasso by unanimous decision to retain his crown.
The evening began on a ceremonial note with the Saudi national anthem, setting the stage for an intense night of competition. The main event opened with a cautious opening round, as both fighters sought to establish rhythm and distance. Inoue began to impose himself in the second, landing decisive combinations that altered the balance of the fight. He followed up in the third with clean, accurate punches, while the fourth round saw a more even exchange as caution returned.
Through the middle rounds, Picasso attempted to apply greater pressure, particularly in the sixth, but Inoue’s movement and timing allowed him to control proceedings. The challenger pressed forward again in the seventh, yet Inoue’s sharp reflexes and tactical awareness kept him a step ahead. The closing rounds produced spirited exchanges that thrilled the crowd, before the final bell confirmed Inoue’s unanimous decision victory, preserving his undefeated record and securing The Ring Magazine title.
Earlier bouts provided further excitement, including a commanding performance from Japan’s Rito Tsutsumi, who claimed a fourth-round knockout win over Mexico’s Leobardo Quintana in the featherweight division.
In the lightweight category, Edinson Garcia of the Dominican Republic emerged victorious after a gruelling ten-round battle against Japan’s Taiga Imanaga. A knockdown in the eighth nearly sealed the contest for Garcia, though Imanaga recovered strongly, with the judges ultimately awarding Garcia a split-decision win.
The card also featured a strong showing from Japanese star Junto Nakatani, who recorded a unanimous decision victory over Sebastian Hernandez in a high-energy super bantamweight contest defined by speed, volume, and technical execution.
As the final bout concluded, The Ring V: Night of the Samurai stood out as one of the year’s most memorable boxing events, reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as a premier destination for major international fights, backed by large crowds and world-class organisation.