Naoya Inoue Overcomes Knockdown, Stops Cardenas in 8th Round
- Abhinand PS
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- May 5
- 2 min read
🥊 Introduction: A Night of High Drama in Las Vegas
On May 4, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, boxing fans witnessed a thrilling encounter as Japan's Naoya "The Monster" Inoue defended his undisputed super bantamweight titles against American challenger Ramon Cardenas. In a bout filled with unexpected twists, Inoue overcame a rare knockdown to secure a stoppage victory in the eighth round, extending his perfect record to 30-0.World Boxing Council+1Top Rank+1
📊 Fight Overview: Key Statistics
Category | Naoya Inoue | Ramon Cardenas |
Record (Pre-Fight) | 29-0 (26 KOs) | 26-1 (14 KOs) |
Age | 31 | 29 |
Height | 5'5" | 5'6" |
Reach | 67.5 inches | N/A |
Knockout Ratio | 90% | 54% |
Titles Held | WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, The Ring | None |
Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
🧠 The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 2: A Shocking Turn
Early in the second round, Cardenas landed a powerful left hook that sent Inoue to the canvas—a rare sight in Inoue's illustrious career. This moment echoed a similar knockdown Inoue experienced against Luis Nery in May 2024.Top Rank+5Box.Live+5Bad Left Hook+5MMAmania.com+3talkSPORT+3Sky Sports+3
Rounds 3-6: Regaining Control
Demonstrating resilience, Inoue recovered and began to dictate the pace, utilizing his superior footwork and combinations to keep Cardenas at bay.talkSPORT
Round 7: Turning the Tide
Inoue's relentless pressure culminated in a knockdown of Cardenas in the seventh round, signaling a shift in momentum.MMAmania.com+1talkSPORT+1
Round 8: The Finish
At 0:45 into the eighth round, Inoue unleashed a series of precise combinations, prompting the referee to stop the fight, awarding Inoue a TKO victory.MMAmania.com+2Bad Left Hook+2Wikipedia+2
Sources: TalkSport, MMA Mania
🏆 Significance of the Victory
Title Defense: This win marked Inoue's fourth successful defense of his undisputed super bantamweight titles.news+8Wikipedia+8Bad Left Hook+8
Record: Inoue improved to 30-0, with 27 victories by knockout.SI+3MMAmania.com+3Box.Live+3
Legacy: He remains one of only three male boxers to become undisputed champion in two weight classes during the four-belt era.Wikipedia
Source: Wikipedia
🔮 What's Next for Inoue?
Inoue is slated to face Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September 2025, a bout that promises to be a significant test. Additionally, discussions are underway for a potential move to featherweight to challenge Nick Ball by December.Bad Left Hook+1talkSPORT+1talkSPORT
Source: TalkSport
❓ FAQs
Q: Was this Inoue's first knockdown?A: No, Inoue was previously knocked down by Luis Nery in May 2024.Wikipedia+2talkSPORT+2Sky Sports+2
Q: Where was the fight held?A: The bout took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.talkSPORT+9Top Rank+9SI+9
Q: How can I watch the fight replay?A: Replays are available on ESPN+ and other major sports streaming platforms.SI
Naoya Inoue's victory over Ramon Cardenas showcased his resilience and reaffirmed his status as one of boxing's elite. Despite facing adversity, "The Monster" delivered a performance that thrilled fans and solidified his legacy.
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