On May 5, 2025, boxing fans around the world will turn their eyes to Las Vegas as Naoya Inoue, the reigning unified world super bantamweight champion, prepares to defend his title against Ramon Cardenas at the T-Mobile Arena. This highly anticipated matchup is part of the event named "Prime Video Boxing 12 Inoue Naoya in Las Vegas," which promises to be a thrilling night of boxing with a total of six matches on the card.
Inoue, known as "The Monster," comes into this fight with an impressive professional record of 29 wins, 26 of which have come by knockout, and no losses. He has established himself as one of the premier boxers in the world, having achieved a historic four-organization unification in December 2022. He is currently ranked as the top pound-for-pound boxer, a testament to his skill and dominance in the ring.
Ramon Cardenas, a 29-year-old American fighter, will be stepping into the ring with a professional record of 27 fights, 26 wins (14 KOs), and one loss. Cardenas earned his title shot by showcasing consistent performance and resilience throughout his career. He is known for his calm demeanor and strong fighting style, which makes him a formidable opponent for Inoue.
The fight is set to begin at 11:00 AM Japan time, following the event's start at 7:10 AM. The weigh-in for the fight took place on May 3, where both fighters successfully made weight. Inoue weighed in at 121.9 pounds (approximately 55.29 kg), while Cardenas came in slightly lighter at 121.8 pounds (approximately 55.24 kg). This weight was well within the limit for the super bantamweight division, which is set at 122 pounds (approximately 55.33 kg).
During the weigh-in event, which was attended by approximately 200 fans, both fighters faced off for about ten seconds, with Inoue describing Cardenas as calm and well-prepared. Inoue stated, "He appears very calm and well-prepared," indicating his respect for Cardenas as a competitor.
Inoue's preparation for this fight has been meticulous, with support from a yakiniku restaurant owner from Japan who has come to assist him in his recovery after the weigh-in. He mentioned that this fight serves as a rehearsal for a potential future bout in Saudi Arabia, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to his career.
As the main event, Inoue vs. Cardenas is not only a title defense for Inoue but also a crucial moment for Cardenas, who is making his world title challenge. Cardenas expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I am here to win everything." He aims to make a significant impact with this fight, emphasizing that boxing can create legends overnight.
The event will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video starting at 8:30 AM Japan time on May 5, 2025. This exclusive broadcast means that fans will have the chance to witness the fight live from the comfort of their homes. For those who are not yet Amazon Prime members, a 30-day free trial is available, allowing them to catch this exciting matchup without any initial cost.
In addition to the main event, the card features several other exciting bouts, including Rafael Espinoza vs. Eduardo Baez for the WBO world featherweight title, and a featherweight 10-round fight between Ginjiro Shigeoka and Pedro Marquez. The full lineup promises a night full of action and entertainment.
As Inoue prepares for this title defense, the atmosphere in Las Vegas is electric. Fans are eager to see if Inoue can continue his dominance in the super bantamweight division or if Cardenas can pull off the upset and claim the championship. With both fighters in peak condition and focused on victory, this matchup is sure to deliver high-stakes drama and excitement.
The anticipation for this fight is palpable, with boxing enthusiasts counting down the hours until the first bell rings. As the date approaches, the buzz surrounding Inoue's performance and Cardenas' challenge only intensifies, making it a must-watch event for sports fans worldwide.
Inoue's journey to this point has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He has proven time and again that he is not only a champion in title but also in skill and heart. As he steps into the ring against Cardenas, fans will be hoping to see another masterclass performance from the man they call "The Monster." Will he successfully defend his title and continue his reign, or will Cardenas rise to the occasion and become the new champion? The answer will unfold on May 5, 2025, in Las Vegas.
