Naoya Inoue, the reigning unified champion of the super bantamweight division, is set for his highly anticipated return to the ring. Scheduled for May 4, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, he will face off against Ramon Cardena, the WBA's second-ranked contender. The announcement was officially made by Top Rank on March 12, 2025, and marks the first time the champion will compete in the United States since June 2021.
For boxing enthusiasts, this match is significant, representing not only the return of ‘The Monster’ but also the hope of witnessing him demonstrate his renowned skill and power once more at the iconic T-Mobile venue, known to host high-profile boxing matches with a seating capacity of around 20,000. Notably, this fight will be the first of its kind for Japanese boxers at this arena.
Cardena, who is 29 years old and stands at 165 cm tall, boasts an impressive record of 26 wins, with 14 of these victories coming by way of knockout, and only one loss. He has been on quite the winning streak, securing 14 consecutive victories since his sole defeat back in April 2017. Remarkably, he showcased his strength and skill last year by defeating Israel Rodriguez Picazo via TKO in the sixth round during the WBC Central American Super Bantamweight title match.
Expressing his thoughts on the upcoming bout, Cardena proclaimed, ‘This match is a once-in-a-lifetime chance,’ confidently envisioning how this fight could change his life. His previous fight saw him triumph with a unanimous decision against Braian Acosta, who had previously served as one of Naoya's sparring partners.
Naoya, reflecting on his upcoming battle, thanked his fans for their unwavering support from the United States throughout his career. He remarked, ‘The fight at T-Mobile Arena will be one of the highlights of my career, and I’m excited to showcase a wonderful show for everyone. Cardena is tough, but I respect him for accepting this challenge without hesitation.’ This sentiment has generated excitement among his fanbase and has positioned this match within the spotlight it deserves.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has also expressed high hopes for the match, describing Naoya as one of the most powerful and balanced fighters he has promoted. He stated, ‘Naoya is uniquely talented, and he is ready to conquer Las Vegas over the Cinco de Mayo weekend. Cardena has earned this opportunity through several impressive victories and is deserving of this shot at the title.’
Despite the positivity surrounding his upcoming match, Cardena has not been without criticism. Some boxing fans have taken to social media to express cynicism over his chances, labeling him as merely ‘a bottom feeder’ or ‘a complete unknown.’ Countering this negativity, Cardena responded, ‘They seem to think they know who I am, but they don't really get it. That’s fine; I’m going to win, no matter what.’
For many local fans from San Antonio, where Cardena hails from, the atmosphere is electric. This is largely because they view this match as an opportunity for Cardena to shine against one of boxing's elite. The excitement surrounding this event is palpable, with the name ‘Monster’ Naoya already well-known across the city. Local boxer Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, who is also highly-regarded, may soon find himself facing Naoya, with the potential for one of boxing's future great matches.
The stakes are high, and the anticipation builds as ticket sales became available immediately after the announcement. With odds currently set at 80-1 for Naoya and 16 for Cardena, it’s clear who the betting public favors. Yet, every fight brings its own surprises, and within the square circle, anything can happen.
With training camps underway, Cardena has initiated his preparations under the guidance of trainer Joel Diaz, focusing on ensuring his readiness to take on Naoya. The challenge remains to find sparring partners capable of simulating Naoya's extreme power, emphasizing the struggle Cardena faces as he undertakes this significant step up against one of the world's best.
This match signifies not just the personal milestones for both fighters but also highlights the importance of cultural representation within the sport. For Naoya, this fight not only adds to his legacy but also continues to build the relationship between American and Japanese boxing cultures, promising to be an extraordinary event for fans globally.