1. Martin wants the Picasso fight to answer a weight question
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| Carl Jammes Martin at Riyadh Season Presscon |
Carl Jammes Martin is looking beyond preserving his unbeaten record. A contributed report published by Philstar on Thursday quotes him describing a move up in weight as a risk with potential upside: “I might eventually discover that this is the right division for me.” His preparation included a three month US camp and time with Filipino trainer Marvin Somodio.
During the Pressconference, Martin also mentioned that he is ready to fight the full 12 rounds and wants to win impressively.
2. Andales gave Kataoka the rounds his promoter wanted
Raito Kataoka wanted a cleaner knockout; Hideyuki Ohashi wanted experience. Sponichi’s postfight reporting captures that difference after the Japanese prospect faced ArAr Andales at Korakuen Hall on Thursday. Kataoka remained dissatisfied with his finishing, while Ohashi said he would have accepted a decision because he wanted his fighter to experience longer rounds. The promoter particularly approved of his defense.
That is the meaningful change since yesterday’s preview of Andales against Kataoka. Ohashi now backs a world title attempt in Kataoka’s fourth professional bout, with next spring targeted. No opponent or agreement has been announced. Andales lost his regional title opportunity, but Kataoka’s own assessment also acknowledged the Filipino’s toughness.
3. Inoue’s alternative is becoming more explicit
Naoya Inoue’s team is discussing what he wants to pursue, as well as whom he might face. Speaking after Thursday’s Tokyo show, Ohashi said Inoue finds motivation in challenging for a featherweight championship, Nikkan Sports reported. Negotiations with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez’s side continue between promoters.
After our earlier coverage of Robert Garcia requesting an Inoue offer, this adds a clearer alternative to the talks. Ohashi said March 2027 remains the intended timing whether the next assignment is Rodriguez or a move toward a fifth division title. Powcast’s reading is that featherweight gives Inoue a separate sporting objective. It does not establish that the Rodriguez negotiations have failed or that another opponent is signed.
4. Canelo skips a tuneup, but Mbilli shares the layoff
Canelo Alvarez’s Thursday explanation for going straight at Christian Mbilli was simple: “I don’t believe in shortcuts.” BoxingScene’s Tom Ivers reported the challenger’s comments at their Riyadh press conference. After elbow surgery and a 13 month absence following his loss to Terence Crawford, Alvarez is returning directly to a WBC championship fight.
One detail complicates any assumption that activity favors the champion: Mbilli has also been out for 13 months, since drawing with Lester Martinez on that same September 2025 card. Both must restore their competitive timing. The opening rounds should reveal how quickly Canelo can read Mbilli’s pressure and how comfortably Mbilli can sustain it.
Video: Official Canelo versus Mbilli press conference
October 29, 2026. Credit: DAZN; access may require sign in.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
- Thursday, October 29, 2026: Raito Kataoka defeated ArAr Andales by TKO at 2:56 of round nine in Tokyo, winning the vacant OPBF light flyweight championship.
Upcoming Fights: Philippine Time
These are DAZN’s currently listed broadcast times, separate from individual bout times. Ring walks are estimates and can change.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Carl Jammes Martin vs. David Picasso
Time: 9 PM preliminary broadcast start; individual bout time to be announced.
Stakes: Martin’s unbeaten record; final weight and title designation require clarification.
Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Venue local event date: October 31.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Rafael Espinoza vs. Ricardo Blandon
Time: 12:30 AM PPV broadcast start; individual bout time to be announced.
Stakes: WBO featherweight championship.
Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Venue local event date: October 31. - Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli
Time: 4 AM estimated main event ring walk; PPV broadcast begins at 12:30 AM.
Stakes: Mbilli’s WBC super middleweight championship.
Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Venue local event date: October 31.
Watch the final weigh in details for Martin’s contracted limit, then how comfortably he handles Picasso. Should Martin prioritize the division where he feels strongest, even if his clearest title route lies elsewhere?