Boxing Match Preview: Naoya Inoue (29-0-0, 26 KOs) vs. Ramon Cardenas (26-1-0, 14 KOs)

The highly anticipated undisputed super bantamweight championship bout between Naoya “The Monster” Inoue and Ramon Cardenas is set to take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This fight marks Inoue’s first appearance in the United States since 2021, as he defends his WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles against the WBA’s top-ranked contender.

Fight Details

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Start Time: Prelims at 6:15 p.m. ET, main card ring walks at 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+, ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Titles at Stake: WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO Super Bantamweight Championships

Fighter Profiles

Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (29-0-0, 26 KOs) – Japan

Inoue, widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, has dominated multiple weight classes, winning world titles at light flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight, and super bantamweight. Since moving up to 122 pounds, he has stopped Stephen Fulton, Marlon Tapales, and Luis Nery, cementing his status as the undisputed champion.

Key Strengths:

Explosive Knockout Power – With 26 KOs in 29 fights, Inoue is one of the most feared punchers in boxing.
Elite Speed & Precision – His ability to time opponents and land devastating counter shots makes him nearly unbeatable.
Championship Experience – Has fought and defeated elite competition, including Nonito Donaire, Paul Butler, and TJ Doheny.

Key Weaknesses:

Jumping Weight Classes – Some believe his first loss could come from moving up too many divisions.
Defensive Risks – Inoue backs himself aggressively, which makes him exciting but also leaves openings for counters.

Ramon Cardenas (26-1-0, 14 KOs) – USA

Cardenas, a Texas native, enters the fight on a 14-fight winning streak since suffering his only career loss in 2017. He recently defeated Brian Acosta by unanimous decision, proving his ability to compete at a high level.

Key Strengths:

Solid Boxing Fundamentals – Cardenas is a well-rounded fighter with good movement and technical skills.
Durability & Toughness – Has never been stopped in his career, showing resilience in tough fights.
Confidence & Mentality – He believes he has more than a puncher’s chance, despite being a massive underdog.

Key Weaknesses:

Limited Experience Against Elite Fighters – Has never fought at the championship distance (12 rounds).
Power Disadvantage – With only 14 KOs in 26 wins, he lacks the finishing ability to threaten Inoue.

Fight Breakdown & Prediction

This matchup presents an intriguing stylistic clash—Inoue will look to pressure and overwhelm Cardenas, while Cardenas will likely use movement and counters to frustrate Inoue.

Key Factors:

Inoue’s Power & Efficiency – If he can time Cardenas’ offense and land counter shots, he could take control early.
Cardenas’ Jab & Distance Control – If Cardenas can keep Inoue at bay and avoid exchanges, he may have a chance to pull off an upset.
Early Rounds & Confidence – If Cardenas wins the opening rounds, it could make the fight more competitive than expected.

FIGHT ODDS

Naoya Inoue – 5000

Ramon Cardenas + 1500

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 3, 2025