Inoue Returns to U.S. to Defend Undisputed Crown Against Cardenas
Naoya "The Monster" Inoue, Japan’s boxing sensation, is set to make his highly anticipated return to American soil this weekend, stepping into the ring at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship against the formidable challenger Ramon Cardenas. The fight, a Top Rank Boxing promotion, marks Inoue’s first appearance in the United States since his dominant third-round knockout victory over Michael Dasmariñas in 2021, a fight where he successfully defended his WBA, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles.
Inoue, boasting an unblemished record of 29-0 with a staggering 26 knockouts, has established himself as one of the most feared and respected fighters in the sport. His journey to undisputed champion has been nothing short of remarkable, with his last 24 fights all being championship bouts, a testament to his sustained dominance at the highest level of boxing. His championship run began in April 2014, and he has continued to collect belts and accolades ever since, cementing his status as a true pound-for-pound king.
Standing across the ring from Inoue will be Ramon Cardenas, a determined Mexican fighter eager to seize the opportunity of a lifetime. Cardenas enters the contest riding a wave of momentum, having won his last 14 fights. This fight represents his first shot at a world title, a chance he has diligently worked towards throughout his career. His most recent victory came against Bryan Acosta on February 25th, a unanimous decision that further solidified his position as a legitimate contender. Cardenas’s current record stands at an impressive 26-1, with 14 knockouts, showcasing his own ability to end fights early.
This Sunday night encounter will be the first time these two warriors will share the ring, adding an element of intrigue to the matchup. The fact that the fight is scheduled for a Sunday adds a unique flavor to the boxing weekend, making it a must-see event for fight fans.
Apratim Banerjee anticipates a strategic approach from Cardenas in the early rounds. "Cardenas will look to establish his range and stay away from Inoue’s power early in the rounds," Banerjee writes. However, he believes that Cardenas’s defensive tactics might ultimately prove insufficient. "However, he might not be able to gain the respect to stop Inoue from eventually progressing. The Japanese superstar might look to go body-head and earn yet another spectacular finish. Inoue should get the job done with a finish and that too around the halfway point of the fight." Banerjee predicts a calculated and brutal approach from Inoue, targeting the body to weaken Cardenas before unleashing his signature headshots to secure the knockout.
Ricardo Viagem offers a similar assessment, suggesting that Cardenas will likely weather the initial storm but ultimately succumb to Inoue’s relentless pressure. "(Cardenas will) survive the initial onslaught, but once the fight enters the second half, he’ll eventually crumble before a relentless Inoue, who has stopped his last 10 foes." Viagem emphasizes Inoue’s impressive streak of knockout victories, highlighting his ability to wear down opponents and finish them off in the later rounds.
Brent Brookhouse provides a blunt and realistic perspective on the fight’s dynamics. "Let’s be honest, Inoue is a -10000 favorite. There’s not much doubt who is going to get the win on Sunday. Cardenas winning would upend the boxing world." Brookhouse acknowledges the overwhelming odds in Inoue’s favor, suggesting that a Cardenas victory would be a monumental upset. He further points out Cardenas’s lack of significant knockout power as a major hurdle. "The real problem for Cardenas is that he is not a big puncher. Beating Inoue would almost certainly require catching him clean with a big shot because Inoue is such a good boxer beyond his elite punching power." Brookhouse underscores the need for Cardenas to land a devastating blow, given Inoue’s superior boxing skills and overall fighting prowess.
Trent Reinsmith’s betting pick aligns with the prevailing sentiment, predicting another knockout victory for Inoue. "The betting pick is that Naoya Inoue will continue his run of winning fights via knockout." He further mentions the odds, as per BetMGM on Sunday, May 4, heavily favoring Inoue.
The main card is scheduled to commence at 10 p.m. ET on Sunday, offering boxing enthusiasts a thrilling night of action. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN and available for streaming on ESPN+ and Disney+, ensuring widespread access for fans to witness Inoue’s return to the American ring.
The Inoue vs. Cardenas fight presents a classic matchup of established dominance versus hungry ambition. Inoue, at the peak of his powers, seeks to further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. Cardenas, on the other hand, views this as his golden opportunity to shock the world and claim the undisputed junior featherweight crown. While the odds are stacked against him, Cardenas’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities could make for a more competitive and intriguing fight than many anticipate. The boxing world waits with bated breath to see if "The Monster" will continue his reign of terror or if Cardenas can pull off a historic upset.
