Welcome to our weekly combat sports roundup, where we bring you the most significant news and notable fights from the world of boxing and MMA. This week, we witnessed a masterclass in the ring, a tragic accident, and a historic women’s bout that promises to make waves.
Inoue’s Masterclass
Naoya “The Monster” Inoue, the undisputed super bantamweight champion, showcased his incredible skill this past weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 32-year-old Japanese sensation dominated Mexican challenger David Picasso, winning by unanimous decision (119-109, 120-108, 117-111) to retain his title. Despite his best efforts, Inoue failed to secure a knockout against Picasso’s tough defense. This victory sets up a massive 2026 super fight with fellow undefeated countryman Junto Nakatani.
Inoue’s achievement is remarkable, as he becomes the first fighter to defend his Ring Title four times in one year since heavyweight legend Larry Holmes accomplished the feat in 1983. On the same card, Nakatani defeated knockout artist Sebastian Hernandez by unanimous decision at super bantamweight, positioning himself for a potential showdown with Inoue.
Joshua’s Tragic Accident
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who recently defeated Jake Paul, was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria on Monday, December 29, 2025. The accident claimed the lives of two of his close friends and personal training team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital a few days later.
Historic Women’s Bout
In a significant night for women’s boxing, a loaded card features future Hall of Famer Amanda Serrano taking on undefeated young contender Reina Tellez for the WBO & WBA Women’s Featherweight Titles. The fight will be contested with a controversial change of rules, featuring 3-minute rounds over 12 rounds instead of the usual 2-minute rounds. This is a huge opportunity for the 22-year-old Tellez, who is replacing Erika Cruz on short notice after Cruz failed a drug test for clenbuterol.
Serrano, aged 37, is looking to rebound from her very close loss to Katie Taylor in July 2025. In the co-main event, former UFC Champion Holly Holm, who was the first woman to defeat Ronda Rousey, attempts to make history and become one of the oldest world champions in history as she takes on Stefanie Han for the WBA lightweight championship. Holm, aged 44, returned to boxing after a 12-year hiatus, dominating undefeated Mexican Olympian Yolanda Vega in a women’s lightweight bout. Han, aged 35, defeated Paulina Angel in her last fight in August 2025. On paper, this appears to be an evenly matched fight.
The fights will take place at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will be broadcast on DAZN. This event marks another banner year for boxing, with multiple title and super fights taking place in the coming weeks.
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