Inoue vs. Cardenas: Inoue Retains Undisputed Title | Boxing News
Naoya Inoue delivered a stunning performance, retaining his undisputed junior featherweight title with an eighth-round TKO victory over Ramon Cardenas. Despite facing an unexpected second-round knockdown, Inoue showcased his resilience and power, recovering swiftly to dominate the fight. the bout, a thrilling display of boxing prowess, saw Inoue’s relentless offense and powerful combinations eventually overwhelm Cardenas. This victory marks inoue’s fourth triumphant defense of his undisputed title, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. News Directory 3 brings you all the latest updates. With a record now at 30-0, and a plan to fight Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September, what does the future hold for the undefeated champion? Discover what’s next…
Naoya Inoue Defends Title with TKO Win Over Ramon Cardenas
Updated May 29, 2025
Naoya Inoue successfully defended his undisputed junior featherweight championship, securing an eighth-round TKO victory over Ramon cardenas in a dramatic fight. The bout, which marked Inoue’s first U.S. appearance as 2021,saw the heavy favorite face unexpected adversity.
Cardenas started strong, landing several jabs. inoue responded with his signature jab-right hand combinations, connecting with a powerful right at the end of the first round. However, Cardenas shifted the momentum dramatically in the second.
Cardenas dropped Inoue with a well-timed left hook counter. Inoue recovered, but Cardenas pressed, unleashing flurries to the body and head. Inoue,meanwhile,continued to fire jabs and rights,working to penetrate Cardenas’ defense.
By the fourth round, Inoue appeared to find his rhythm, landing heavy punches and combinations that pushed Cardenas backward. in the sixth, a sneaky right hand sent Cardenas reeling. Inoue followed up with a barrage, but Cardenas weathered the storm and responded with his own attacks.
Inoue’s relentless assault finally took its toll in the eighth. A series of straight rights forced Cardenas into the corner,resulting in a knockdown. Inoue continued his attack, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
Cardenas protested the stoppage,but his corner had warned him that he needed to turn the fight around in that round. The punishment had become too severe.
“I think watching the fight tonight, everybody is very aware that I like to brawl,” Inoue said. “I was very surprised [by the knockdown], but I was able to calmly put myself together.”
The victory improved inoue’s record to 30-0, with 27 knockouts.This marked Inoue’s fourth defense of his undisputed title, having previously achieved the same status at bantamweight.
What’s next
Inoue indicated he intends to remain at junior featherweight for his next fight,with a bout against WBA interim champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev planned for September.