A disappointing weekend for boxing was dramatically transformed by the electrifying performance of rising star Naoya Inoue. In the main event of Sunday’s highly anticipated Top Rank Boxing card, Inoue showcased his exceptional skills, remaining undefeated while defending his undisputed junior featherweight championship. He secured a thrilling eighth-round TKO victory over Ramon Cardenas at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, improving his professional record to an impressive 30-0 with 27 knockouts.
Despite a weekend that featured prominent names like Ryan Garcia and Canelo Alvarez, it was Inoue who emerged as the standout performer. Garcia faced a setback with a loss to Rolando Rolly Romero, and Alvarez's lackluster performance in a win against William Scull allowed Inoue to steal the spotlight. His remarkable display in the ring solidified his status as one of boxing's elite.
The bout did not start smoothly for Inoue, as he faced an unexpected challenge when he was knocked down towards the end of the second round. A counter left hook from Cardenas marked just the second time in Inoue's career that he had been sent to the canvas. Nevertheless, Cardenas demonstrated immense heart, attempting to pull off what would have been a monumental upset.
In response to the early adversity, Inoue showcased his prowess as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He unleashed a barrage of power punches that overwhelmed Cardenas. In the seventh round, he scored a knockdown of his own with a powerful combination, demonstrating his ability to turn the tide of the fight decisively.
Inoue's relentless assault continued into the eighth round, leading the referee to call a halt to the contest just 45 seconds into the round. Throughout the fight, Inoue landed an impressive 108 power punches, further showcasing his dominance. While Cardenas deserves credit for enduring an incredible barrage in his first career title bout, the evening—and indeed, the entire weekend—belonged to Inoue.
Inoue's performance was a stark contrast to the disappointing showings from some of the sport's biggest stars. His exciting fight with Cardenas captivated boxing fans around the globe, reaffirming the essence of high-level boxing. As one of the sport's fastest-rising stars, Inoue’s popularity is expected to surge following this impressive display.
In his post-fight interview, Inoue expressed his eagerness to return to the ring in September, promising fans more thrilling action. With his combination of skill, resilience, and knockout power, more boxing enthusiasts will undoubtedly be tuning in to witness Inoue do what he does best—dominate in the ring.
