Naoya Inoue Retains Title with Eighth-Round TKO Over Ramon Cardenas

Las Vegas, NV – Naoya Inoue, known as “The Monster,” successfully defended his undisputed junior featherweight championship on May 4, 2025, against Ramon Cardenas at the T-Mobile Arena. Inoue won the bout by eighth-round TKO in a matchup that tested both fighters’ skills.

Cardenas, who came into the match with a record of 26-2, demonstrated his capability early on. He scored a knockdown in the second round with a powerful left hook, catching the champion off guard. In the moments that followed, he implemented a strong game plan aimed at countering Inoue’s advances.

However, Inoue, unbeaten at 30-0 after this fight, made crucial adjustments. He began timing Cardenas’s counterattacks, creating openings for his own devastating shots. “It was a beautiful adjustment by a truly special fighter,” said one ringside expert. “He’s not perfect but is consistently entertaining.”

The later rounds showcased Inoue’s experience and ring intelligence. In round six, he regained control with precise body shots that hurt Cardenas, while round seven saw him dropping Cardenas again, solidifying the champion’s dominance.

Despite the loss, Cardenas earned respect for his performance. “He pushed an all-time great,” said a commentator. “But just like the 29 before him, he fell short against The Monster.”

As the boxing world continues to watch Inoue’s career, his status as a formidable champion only grows following this latest victory.