Las Vegas, Nevada – Naoya “The Monster” inoue made his return to America, and he did not disappoint. He fought Ramon Cardenas in an unforgettable Vegas battle in the T-Mobile Arena. Inoue said at the press conference after the fight that the type of fight he enjoys most is brawls, and that we got one Sunday night. Cardenas did not lie down, the world wants to shock and become the first man to defeat the monster.
He made it a competitive game early and knocked in in the second round and carried the momentum for the next few rounds. However, inoue turned the tide by increasing the intensity and significantly increasing its production. His work rate overwhelmed Cardenas; The multiple combination pen was too much for him, which led to a 7th round. The monster continued the relentless attack in the 8th when referee Thomas Taylor stopped it.
At the press, Cardenas said he was not really bothered by the power of inoue, but it was his combinations that overwhelmed him. He did not know how to defend against them. Although he lost the battle, he received the admiration and respect of boxing fans. His brave effort was praised by those who attended it. “I told my coach that when I go out, I’m going on my shield. That’s what I did, ‘says Ramon. Inoue said, ‘Cardenas were a more difficult opponent than I expected.’ Naoya enjoyed fighting in America and hopes he can do it again in the future.
A potential mega fight against Junto Nakatani is possible on the horizon, as Inoue said it could happen next year. It would be a mega fight that many fans have longed for some time. Inoue’s legend grew over the weekend and will continue to grow with repeated performances.
In the co-head event, Rafael gave “Divino” Espinoza an impressive performance and defeated Edward Vazquez by technical knockout in the 7th round. “This is the kind of battle people like to look at. And I like it too. The people deserve these kinds of battles. And as a Mexican battles on this important Mexican date, I did it with all my heart, and I will continue to do so. ” Espinoza’s work rate is admirable, throws 520 strokes into seven rounds and connects 39.8 percent of its total blows. When Divino was put into perspective on a weekend of minimal production, Divino threw more bumps than the combined bumps thrown into the high-profile matches of the weekend: Canelo Alvarez-William Scull, Ryan Garcia-Rolly Romero, and Devin Haney-Jose Ramirez (Compubox).
Espinoza wants to be remembered as a Mexican great, and to do so, he must be memorable. “To born a New Mexican Idol, I will have to fight against the best. So I’m here. I’m the champion. And I’m here to fight the best,” Rafael said. He made three successful defense of his WBO featherweight world title. It is said to be able to encounter the other champions in the division. With his size, power and work rate, he is a difficult opponent. He hopes to stay busy this year and fight twice more.
Last updated on 05/05/2025
