Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso height comparison: Examining physical profiles of the fighters | International Sports News
Boxing undoubtedly needs height, reach, frame, and physical capabilities to determine the style in which a fighter has his advantage inside the ring. Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso are two of the best fighters in the lighter weight classes, but there’s some physical disjunction in their fights that influences how they carry themselves around the ring and how they manage distance.
Comparison of height and style of fighting
Naoya Inoue, or Monster, is a 5-foot-5-inch (165 cm) fighter. Although he is not the tallest fighter in his weight class, he has tremendous power, speed, and accuracy once he connects with his opponent. His small size also allows him to deliver greater punching intensity, get in close faster, and keep the heat on his opposition, making him one of the most feared pound-for-pound fighters ever.Alan Picasso is a tad bit more than 5’8″ (173 cm). Not only is his height and reach well above average, but it’s also that advantage, which he holds naturally when at a distance, that the Scotsman uses to control the tempo of a fight there. Picasso’s jab has actually been very effective in creating distance, setting up his combinations with the least chance of being countered.The difference in height between the two combatants is approximately 3 inches, which is not very significant, but when the weight divisions are in the lighter segment, even minor bodily benefits make a significant difference.
The effect of physical dissimilarities in matchups
The explosiveness and inside fighting style of Inoue have made him very successful, as he has been able to duck longer jabs and land devastating body and head shots. His lower center of gravity also aids balance, head movement, and defensive positioning.The more rangy, technical approach is supported by Picasso’s taller frame. He is able to maintain distance from opponents and make them risk closing in, thus allowing him to open up for counterpunching.This comparison ultimately reveals an important fact in boxing: size does not make a boxer successful. The dominance of Inoue confirms that power, timing, and ring IQ can overcome physical disadvantages, and the physical profile of Picasso allows him gain control of space and influence the progression of a bout.
