In a thrilling showdown in Las Vegas, Naoya Inoue successfully defended his four-organization unified super bantamweight title against Ramon Cardena, winning by technical knockout (TKO) in the eighth round on May 4, 2025. This marked Inoue's third fight in Las Vegas over the past four years and a significant moment in his illustrious career.
Inoue, known for his explosive power and precise boxing skills, faced a formidable challenge from Cardena, the WBA's top-ranked contender. The fight started with Inoue applying pressure early on, utilizing his left jab to keep Cardena at bay. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the second round when Cardena landed a powerful left hook that sent Inoue to the canvas, shocking the audience.
Despite being knocked down, Inoue remained composed and quickly adjusted his strategy. "I was very surprised by the second-round knockdown, but I was able to calmly stand up and fix it," Inoue remarked after the fight. He acknowledged Cardena's toughness, stating, "He was a very tough opponent." Inoue fought back fiercely, regaining control in the seventh round with a right straight that floored Cardena.
The eighth round saw Inoue corner Cardena and unleash a flurry of punches that forced the referee to stop the match at 45 seconds, securing his victory. With this win, Inoue improved his professional record to an impressive 30 wins, 27 of which have come by way of knockout.
This victory not only marked Inoue's fourth successful defense of the unified title but also extended his record of consecutive KO wins in world title matches to 11. Furthermore, he has now achieved 25 consecutive wins in world championship bouts, setting a new record for Japanese male boxers.
Inoue's journey to this title defense has been remarkable. He made his professional debut in 2012 and quickly rose through the ranks. In December 2022, he became the first Japanese boxer to unify all four major bantamweight titles, further solidifying his status as one of the best in the sport. In July 2023, he captured the WBA and WBO super bantamweight titles, and later that year, he added the WBA and IBF titles to his collection, becoming only the second boxer in history to unify titles across two weight classes.
As the crowd erupted in cheers following his victory, chants of "Inoue! Inoue!" filled the T-Mobile Arena, a venue known for hosting some of boxing's biggest events. The atmosphere was electric, especially as the fight coincided with the Cinco de Mayo weekend, a significant date in boxing history.
Cardena, despite the loss, showcased his resilience and skill throughout the match. "I wanted to have the best boxing match and was able to take the down and show my strength," Cardena said, reflecting on his performance. He expressed gratitude to the fans for their support and emphasized the importance of fighting against top-tier opponents.
After the match, Inoue expressed his respect for Cardena, noting, "He was tougher than I had seen in videos." He acknowledged that the fight was a valuable experience in his career and looked ahead to his next challenge.
Inoue's next title defense is scheduled for September 2025, where he will face WBA interim champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev from Uzbekistan. This upcoming bout promises to be another exciting chapter in Inoue's already storied career.
As the boxing world continues to buzz about Inoue's latest victory, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will fare against his next opponent. With his combination of skill, power, and determination, Inoue remains a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
In conclusion, Naoya Inoue's victory over Ramon Cardena not only cements his legacy as a champion but also highlights the ever-growing popularity of boxing in Japan and around the world. As he prepares for his next fight, the anticipation builds for what could be another historic moment in his career.
