Naoya Inoue successfully defended his undisputed super bantamweight championship against Ramon Cardenas on May 5, 2025, in a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This fight took place in Las Vegas and showcased why Inoue is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
During the second round, Cardenas shocked everyone by knocking Inoue down with a perfectly timed left hook. This moment marked only the second time in Inoue’s professional career that he had been sent to the canvas. Fans and commentators were stunned, as the champion had always been seen as nearly invincible. A video shared by Top Rank Boxing captured this dramatic moment, highlighting the power and precision of Cardenas’ punch.
“Inoue just got caught,” declared Top Rank Boxing on social media as the knockout occurred. Despite being down, Inoue demonstrated his champion's spirit by rising quickly and continuing the fight.
After being knocked down, Inoue composed himself during the remainder of the second round and returned to his corner for a brief respite. He quickly rallied, dominating the fight with his strong jab and relentless body work. Cardenas exhibited tremendous heart and determination, attempting to withstand Inoue’s offensive onslaught for as long as possible.
As the fight progressed, Inoue’s skill set began to shine through. By the seventh round, Inoue managed to drop Cardenas in the corner, showcasing his effective combinations and superior boxing prowess. In the eighth round, Inoue unleashed a flurry of punches that forced the referee to stop the contest, signaling a TKO victory for the reigning champion.
Inoue's impressive performance reinforced his reputation as a dominant force in boxing, improving his professional record to 30 wins and no losses, with an astounding 27 victories coming by way of knockout. This latest win solidified Inoue's status as the undisputed champion and left fans excited for his next appearance in the ring.
With this fight, Inoue proved that he can face adversity and emerge victorious. He is expected to remain a key player in the super bantamweight division while aiming for bigger challenges ahead. This bout not only showcased his talents but also highlighted Cardenas' potential as a worthy opponent moving forward.
As boxing continues to evolve, Inoue’s ability to respond to adversity and finish strong makes him a fighter to watch in the coming years. Fans can anticipate future matchups that promise to deliver the excitement and drama witnessed in this bout, ensuring that the super bantamweight division remains electrifying.
