Date: May 5, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA
Result: Naoya Inoue defeats Ramon Cardenas via 8th-round TKO
The Night the Monster Roared Again
On a warm Las Vegas evening, under the dazzling lights of the T-Mobile Arena, Japan’s undefeated boxing sensation Naoya “The Monster” Inoue once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in modern boxing. Facing American contender Ramon Cardenas, Inoue successfully defended his undisputed super bantamweight championship in dramatic fashion.
Early Scare in the Second Round
In a rare sight, Inoue was knocked down in the second round by a sharp left hook from Cardenas — only the second knockdown of his professional career. Gasps echoed throughout the arena as the Japanese champion briefly hit the canvas.
But Inoue, known for his resilience and ring IQ, stayed composed. He quickly regained control in the following rounds, using his signature precision, footwork, and punishing body shots to wear down the aggressive Cardenas.
Monster Unleashed
By the 6th and 7th rounds, Inoue had turned the tide. He dropped Cardenas with a clean right hand in the 7th, marking the beginning of the end. In the 8th round, Inoue unleashed a furious barrage of punches that left the referee no choice but to step in and stop the fight — awarding Inoue a TKO victory.
Historic Win and Record Milestone
With this win, Inoue not only retained his WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles but also reached a historic milestone:
29 wins, 0 losses (26 KOs) 23 world title victories, setting a new record for Japanese fighters 9 consecutive world title wins via KO, a national record
What’s Next for The Monster?
After the fight, Inoue hinted that his next challenge might be to move up a weight class — possibly seeking a new conquest at featherweight.
“Cardenas is a tough fighter. That knockdown early on reminded me to stay sharp. I’m happy with the win, and I’m ready for the next big step,” Inoue said in the post-fight interview.
Naoya Inoue once again proved that even in adversity, a true champion finds a way to win. As the belts glistened around his waist and shoulders, the world watched with awe — witnessing the continued reign of a living legend.
