LAS VEGAS — In a thrilling display of boxing prowess, Naoya Inoue overcame early adversity to defeat Ramon Cardenas by TKO in the eighth round, successfully defending his undisputed super bantamweight championship at the T-Mobile Arena on May 4, 2025. The highly anticipated match not only showcased Inoue's resilience but also the heart of Cardenas, who managed to drop the champion with a left hook in the second round, setting the stage for an electrifying night.
With the victory, Inoue improved his record to 30-0, with 27 of those wins coming by knockout, extending his knockout streak to an impressive eleven consecutive fights. The bout attracted a lively crowd of 8,474 fans, who filled the arena with chants of "Me-hi-co" and "In-ou-e," creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
“By watching tonight’s fight, everyone is well aware that I like to brawl,” Inoue stated after the fight. “The fans here were supportive and great. And I hope I was able to entertain them.”
Inoue's performance was a testament to his skill and determination. After being knocked down for only the second time in his career, he quickly regrouped and demonstrated his superior boxing technique. The fight saw a total of 752 punches thrown between the two fighters, with Inoue landing 176 of 462 (38.1%) and Cardenas connecting on 80 of 290 (27.6%).
Despite the setback in the second round, Inoue came back strong, dominating the later rounds. He showcased his ability to adapt, landing crisp jabs and powerful combinations that kept Cardenas on the defensive. Inoue's ringcraft was evident as he forced Cardenas into vulnerable positions, unleashing a flurry of punches that culminated in a knockdown in the seventh round.
“I was very surprised [at the knockdown],” Inoue admitted. “From then on, I made sure to not take that punch again.”
As the eighth round began, Inoue continued his assault, and it was clear that Cardenas was struggling to keep pace. Just 45 seconds into the round, the referee stepped in to stop the fight, marking a decisive end to an action-packed bout.
In the co-main event, Rafael Espinoza defended his WBO featherweight title against Edward Vazquez, winning by TKO in the seventh round. Espinoza, using his height and reach advantage, landed a staggering 207 of 520 punches (39.8%), while Vazquez managed to connect on 123 of 325 (37.8%). The fight showcased Espinoza's dominance, and he celebrated his victory with a festive Cinco de Mayo serenade for the crowd.
Other notable fights on the card included Emiliano Vargas, who continued his rise as a super lightweight prospect with a second-round TKO victory over Juan Leon. Vargas’s power was on full display as he dropped Leon multiple times before the referee stopped the bout.
Rohan Polanco also shone in his welterweight match against Fabian Maidana, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 100-89 from all three judges. Polanco's performance was marked by his ability to control the pace of the fight, consistently backing Maidana against the ropes.
Mikito Nakano made a successful U.S. debut, defeating Pedro Marquez by TKO in the fourth round, while Art Barrera Jr. earned a TKO victory over Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. in the sixth round. Raeese Aleem rounded out the card with a unanimous decision win against Rudy Garcia.
As the dust settles on this exciting night of boxing, Inoue's sights are already set on future challenges. He is expected to face Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September, but will keep a close eye on Akhmadaliev's upcoming fight against Luis Castillo on May 30. Inoue's ambition to move up in weight class also raises the possibility of facing other notable fighters such as Nick Ball and Junto Nakatani.
Inoue's victory not only solidified his status as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world but also served as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that boxing can offer. As fans eagerly await his next move, one thing is clear: Naoya Inoue is a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
