Japan’s Naoya “The Monster” Inoue showed once again why he’s one of boxing’s most feared champions, overcoming a rare knockdown to retain his undisputed super-bantamweight crown with an eighth-round stoppage of American underdog Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas.
In a dramatic bout that marked Inoue’s first fight outside Japan since 2021, the undefeated superstar was floored in the second round — only the second knockdown of his career — but bounced back with his trademark ferocity. By the eighth round, Inoue unleashed a furious barrage that forced referee Thomas Taylor to step in and wave off the contest, securing the Japanese sensation his 30th professional victory and 27th knockout.
Cardenas Shocks the Crowd Early
Despite coming in as a heavy underdog, Ramon Cardenas gave the boxing world a moment of shock in the second round. A sharp left hook from the American sent Inoue to the canvas — a stunning sight for fans used to seeing the Japanese champion dominate.
“I was very surprised, but I was able to calmly pull myself together,” Inoue admitted through a translator. “In the first round, I thought I had pretty good distance, but in the second round it kind of got a little loose. From there, I made sure I didn’t take that punch again.”
The Monster Awakens
After surviving the second-round scare, Inoue regrouped and turned up the heat. The fourth round was a bruising exchange as both fighters traded heavy shots, but Inoue’s class and power gradually began to show. By the seventh, a vicious body shot followed by four clean right hands to the head dropped Cardenas hard.
With the American barely making it out of the round, Inoue wasted no time in the eighth. Another devastating right hand sent Cardenas reeling into the ropes, prompting the referee to call a halt — sealing yet another statement win for the Japanese phenom.
Still the King, and Still Undefeated
With the win, Inoue improved to a flawless 30-0, continuing his reign as the undisputed super-bantamweight world champion. The victory also cemented his 27th knockout, reinforcing his reputation as one of boxing’s most complete and dangerous fighters.
“Everybody is aware I like to brawl,” Inoue said post-fight — a mindset that has made him both a feared opponent and a fan favorite.
Future Rivals Already Watching
On the undercard, Mexico’s rising star Rafael Espinosa kept his own unbeaten streak alive, stopping American Edward Vazquez in the seventh round to improve to 27-0. Espinosa, who holds the WBO featherweight title, didn’t hide his ambitions.
“I know a fight against Naoya Inoue would catapult me into stardom,” he said — a clear sign that the boxing world is already eyeing what’s next for The Monster.
With his Las Vegas comeback complete, Inoue has not only defended his crown but also reminded the world that even when knocked down, champions rise — and The Monster always roars back.
