Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas results, highlights: Inoue takes out game Cardenas in hard-hitting classic

Daniel Yanofsky

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Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas results, highlights: Inoue takes out game Cardenas in hard-hitting classic image

It was up to Naoya Inoue to excite boxing fans after one of the biggest fight weekends in the sport's history left them feeling like it was a letdown. 

As expected, "The Monster" didn't disappoint in his first fight in America since 2021. Inoue (30-0) delivered, as did his opponent, Ramon Cardenas, who the former beat via TKO to remain the undisputed super bantamweight champion.

At certain points, Inoue survived the offense of Cardenas (26-2), who put on a career-defining performance. The American absorbed several key shots from Inoue and landed punches between Inoue's offense. Some shots threw the Japanese star off guard, as seen when Cardenas dropped Inoue in round two. 

WATCH: Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas replay on Fubo (free trial)

The world watched in awe as Cardenas took it to Inoue. However, Inoue did not falter. He adapted, landing crisp jabs and uppercuts through the fight, especially by the corner. Cardenas would still counter Inoue's shots with massive right hands. At one point, Inoue went from the -6500 favorite to the -1400 favorite.  

Just two years ago, Cardenas was working as a Lyft and DoorDash driver. His stock rose as the fight continued, but Inoue wouldn't let him have all the glory. Inoue landed several big uppercuts that had Cardenas in trouble late in the fight. It all came together when Cardenas got dropped in the seventh. 

Cardenas was a sitting duck as Inoue dropped him again in the eighth. The referee warned Cardenas before the round and ended the fight following that knockdown. Whether premature or not, the stoppage seemed inevitable. The judges scored the fight 68-63 on all three cards in favor of Inoue at the time of stoppage. 

Per CompuBox, Inoue landed 176 of 462 punches (38.1%), with 64 of 117 power punches (55%) landed over the last three rounds. He landed 48 strikes in the sixth. Cardenas landed 80 of 290 punches (27.6%). Inoue has now won eleven straight via knockout. 

Up next for Inoue is an anticipated showdown against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September. However, he will keep an eye on "MJ's" tune-up fight against Luis Castillo on May 30. After that? Inoue looks to fight Nick Ball and Junto Nakatani. 

Did you want some more action after a fight weekend that didn't quite excite? Mexican superstar Rafael Espinoza had you covered on Cinco de Mayo weekend. 

MORE: Top 12 pound-for-pound fighters in boxing

The WBO featherweight champion pummeled Edward Vazquez to retain his title in the co-main event. Espinoza used his height and reach advantage to bully Vazquez, who, to his credit, was taking it all with stride. 

Vazquez (17-3), the pitbull, did not give in, even when Espinoza (27-0) pummeled him with uppercuts and hooks. It wasn't until the seventh that the referee saw enough and stopped the fight. Per CompuBox, Espinoza landed 207 of 520 shots (39.8%) with sixty body shots. He connected with 30+ punches in four straight rounds. Vazquez landed 123 of 325 punches (37.8%). 

Up next for Vazquez? Potentially Bruce Carrington or champions Stephen Fulton, Ball, and Angelo Leo. He is also interested in fighting Inoue, who previously said his limit to move in weight is featherweight.  

The Sporting News provided results, analysis, and highlights from the entire Inoue vs. Cardenas boxing event. 

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas full card results

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas live fight updates, highlights from 2025 boxing card

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas.

Naoya Inoue beats Ramon Cardenas in hard-hitting classic

Round eight: Cardenas tried landing the perfect knockout shot. Right hands and body shots. It's all over! Inoue wins! 

Round seven: Inoue continued his assault. Cardenas tried firing back. Inoue with combinations in the corner. Backed into the ropes, Cardenas was getting smothered. Left hand sent Cardenas back into the ropes. Big right by Cardenas. He dug in with body shots. Right uppercut. Inoue landed some of his own. Cardenas got sent back and Inoue dropped him! 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-8 Inoue (67-64 Inoue)

Round six: Inoue with jabs, continuing his attack. Body shot by Cardenas. It appeared Inoue was playing it safe as Cardenas could counter at any time. Inoue hurt him. In the corner, Inoue went for the attack. Sweeping hook. Right hook to Inoue. Both landed hooks. Right hand by Inoue. Left hand by Inoue, and he punished Cardenas in round six.  

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Inoue (57-56 Inoue)

Round five: Inoue landed hard combinations. Cardenas might have used all his gas. Inoue went from the -6500 to -1400 favorite. Big counter by Cardenas. Cardenas with a body shot. Inoue with uppercuts. By the ropes, Inoue landed hard hooks. Cardenas hit him with a body shot. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Inoue (47-47)

Round four: Cardenas got hit with a right but would not back down. He was hitting through Inoue's punches. Inoue with combinations. Inoue with a hook. Inoue with jabs. They both traded jabs. Inoue went on the attack. Double left hands by Inoue. Inoue caught Cardenas. Cardenas fired back. Inoue started to return to form. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Inoue (38-37 Cardenas)

Round three: The crowd is shocked. Accidental headbutt. Inoue landed right hands. Cardenas was patient. Inoue with body shots. Cardenas with jabs. Combinations from Cardenas. Big shot from Inoue. Cardenas with a right hand. Cardenas pushed Inoue back with a left. A right hand from Cardenas. Big right. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Cardenas (29-27 Cardenas)

Round two: Inoue with a few hooks. He landed combinations. Cardenas was standing right in front of Inoue. He landed inside body shots. Inoue with a few hooks, attempting to work past the defense of Cardenas. Body shot by Cardenas. Inoue continued to land jabs. Combination shots that ended with an Inoue left. Inoue turned away from a right. Cardenas tried to bring the pressure to Inoue. Inoue got dropped! Oh my! 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-8 Cardenas (19-18 Cardenas)

Round one: Inoue with a massive jab through the defense of Cardenas. He continued to go for the jab. Cardenas with good timing, landing a jab of his own. They traded jabs. Inoue with a body shot. Cardenas tried to land a left hook to take Inoue down. Inoue used his jabs. Combinations landed from Inoue. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Inoue

Rafael Espinoza bullies Edward Vazquez to retain featherweight gold

Round seven: Espinoza landed sweeping hooks. He landed a big uppercut. Vazquez landed a big shot to the face, but Espinoza continued to force him back. By the ropes, Espinoza landed a massive uppercut. One to the body and one to the body. He landed a body shot, and multiple head shots. The fight is over! 

Round six: They both exchanged shots. Vazquez landed a nice shot. Espinoza with a few hooks. The fight has exceeded the punching stats of all the fights the last few days. Espinoza with straight jabs. Vazquez landed some combinations but couldn't avoid an uppercut. His face was red as he absorbed so much damage. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Espinoza (60-54)

Round five: Vazquez pressed forward, landing a hook. Espinoza with a right to the body. Combinations from Espinoza. By the ropes, Espinoza landed hard body shots. He landed uppercuts. Vazquez tried to fight out of it, but couldn't escape. Espinoza landed all over. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Espinoza (50-45)

Round four: Vazquez with a reaching hook. He landed combinations. Espinoza fought back. Body shots from Vazquez. He was working on the inside. Big right by Vazquez. An inside body and head shot by Vazquez. He added an uppercut. Espinoza went on the attack with uppercuts. Body work forced Vazquez into the ropes. Uppercut by Espinoza. Wow!  

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Espinoza (40-36)

Round three: Espinoza's output has been incredible. He landed hard uppercuts and jabs. However, Vazquez was pressing forward, not giving in. Espinoza with a big hook. A sweeping hook from Espinoza. A body shot hurt Vazquez. Big hook by Espinoza followed by a jab. Another right uppercut connected. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Espinoza (30-27)

Round two: Vazquez was a pitbull, coming towards the champion. Espinoza continued to use his long reach to land hard lefts. The champion landed uppercuts all over the body of Vazquez. He landed hooks to counter Vazquez's hooks. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Espinoza (20-18) 

Round one: Espinoza landed uppercuts right away. He used his height and reach to work over Vazquez with jabs. Vazquez lands a nice reaching shot. Espinoza got backed up by an uppercut. Massive uppercuts connected, while Vazquez tried landing flurries. Massive jab from Espinoza followed by a sweeping uppercut. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Espinoza

Rohan Polanco takes Fabian Maidana to school 

Round ten: Maidana tried to start the last round with some offense, but Polanco had him scouted. Another shimmy by Polanco. Hooks connected. Combinations from Polanco, including left hooks, connected. He ran through Maidana in the final minute, including a few left hooks. A body shot finally dropped Maidana. Polanco attacked until the final bell. Polanco won via unanimous decision (100-89, 100-89, 100-89), 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-8 Polanco (99-90 Polanco)

Round nine: Jabs by Polanco kept on snapping Maidana's head back. Polanco continued to push Maidana back. He landed overhand shots. By the ropes, Maidana tried something of value, but he looked out of gas. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco (89-82 Polanco) 

Round eight: Maidana tried to land anything of value. Polanco with jabs through Maidana's defense. A slip from Polanco. Polanco with overhand shots followed by a devastating hook. Maidana kept on getting pushed back. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco (79-73 Polanco)

Round seven: Maidana showcased low energy. Polanco with inside body shots. Left to the face by Polanco after he landed a flurry of body shots. Four-punch combination hurt Maidana. He continued to lead and hurt Maidana. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco (69-64 Polanco)

Round six: Polanco still had the edge, pushing Maidana back into the ropes. A nice left connected from Polanco. He landed a left hook and a few more from the inside. Polanco went from the head to the gut. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco (59-55 Polanco)

Round five: Polanco with a jab that pushed Maidana back. Maidana looked sharp initially but has slowed down following that push. Big shot by Polanco hurt Maidana. Maidana missed key shots. Polanco was breaking him down and started to shimmy. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco (49-46 Polanco)

Round four: Both landed hard jabs to start. Polanco with a nice shot and one to the body. A left and Maidana went down, but it was a push. Polanco took advantage. He held Maidana by the ropes. Polanco landed heavy body shots. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco (39-37 Polanco)

Round three: Polanco didn't gave a stool. Maidana landed combinations and a hard jab right at the start of the fight. Body shot from Maidana. Counter body shot from Maidana followed by a right hand. Overhand hook by Maidana. Polanco pressed forward but didn't hurt Maidana. Maidana had a solid defense and landed a nice uppercut. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Maidana (29-28 Polanco)

Round two: Hooks from Polanco landed. Maidana with hooks of his own. Polanco got hit with a right hand. Right hand by Polanco followed by combinations. Straight jabs by Polanco followed by a body shot. Low body shots from Polanco. Maidana with a side body shot. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco (20-18 Polanco)

Round one: Polanco controlled the ring. He landed jabs and hooks. Maidana with a few left hooks. Straight right from Polanco. He went high and low. Maidana countered with body shots. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Polanco

Emiliano Fernando Vargas drops Juan Leon in impressive outing

Round two: Vargas got backed into the corner. Out of it, he landed slick body shots and a right. A straight right hand a left hook dropped Leon. Vargas landed right hook combinations that dropped Leon again. the referee called the fight off. 

Round one: Vargas looked polished right from the start. He pushed Leon back with a few jabs and a hook. Vargas landed a slick body shot and a few more jabs. Vargas ate an uppercut and landed a punch through the gloves of Leon. Leon with a few combinations. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Vargas

Mikito Nakano takes out Pedro Marquez in U.S. debut

Round four: On the inside, Nakano landed body shots. Marquez showed signs of life, but he also looked a bit out of it. Body shot by Nakano. Body shot combinations that took Marquez down again. The referee finally called it off after another big body shot dropped him. Five knockdowns. Wow! 

Round three: Marquez with lefts, but Nakano landed fast hands that still hurt Marquez. Uppercut took Marquez down to the canvas once again. Nakano fought past Marquez's high guard. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-8 Nakano (30-24 Nakano) 

Round two: Straight left from Nakano. Marquez tried letting loose, but Nakano was too smooth. He landed lead jabs and hooks. A straight shot by Nakano dropped Marquez. He started taking over. Another knockdown. Counter left by Marquez. He tried coming back but Nakano landed hard shots to the body. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-7 Nakano (20-16 Nakano)

Round one: Nakano started with jabs and a shot to the body. He continued to land body shots past the defense of Marquez. Big shot to the face of Marquez, who looked confident. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Nakano

Art Barrera Jr. stops Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. in slugfest

Round six: Barrera with a few uppercuts and hooks on the inside. Guerra tried to fight back, but he got backed up with a right hand. The referee saw enough and stopped the fight. What a performance from round four on. 

Round five: Left hook by Barrera. Massive jab and a side uppercut connected. Left hook by Guerra. Another hook connected. Nice jab from Barrera. Chopping hook from Barrera. A body shot hurt Guerra. Barrera pressed forward and landed a right uppercut. A straight right connected. Barrera found his timing. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Barrera (48-47 Barrera)

Round four: Both were slugging away, a major contrast from the last two nights of fights. Barrera with a massive shot tot he face of Guerra. Left hook by Barrera. Solid left hooks and body shots from Barrera. Guerra tried to land a few hooks of his own, but Barrera countered with rights. Short right hand by Barrera.

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Barrera (38-38)

Round three: Guerra had Barrera by the ropes, he landed combinations. Barrera with a left hook to get him off him. Barrera with hooks to the head, but Guerra with shots by the ropes. Guerra with an uppercut and several key shots. Barrera with a left hook. Big hook to the chin of Barrera. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Guerra (29-28 Guerra)

Round two: Uppercut by Barrera connected. Still Guerra landed for volume. He dug to the body. He landed hard hooks. Barrera still pressed hard. He landed combinations that pushed Guerra back. Barrera looked sharp in the round. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Barrera (19-19)

Round one: Guerra pressed forward with some big body shots. Barrera landed combinations. He used a solid defense to avoid key shots. Guerra did land more body shots. Barrera switched to hooks to the head. Barrera used his jab and was starting to press forward. A sneaky jab connected. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Guerra

Raeese Aleem looks impressive against Rudy Garcia

Round ten: Garcia with uppercuts and body shots, chasing Aleem down. Aleem landed his own body shot. He used a solid defense Aleem with a left hook and a straight shot to the face of Garcia. They swung away until the final bell. Aleem won via unanimous decision. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Aleem (97-93 Aleem)

Round nine: Aleem with combinations. He landed a straight jab to the gut and combinations. By the corner, he pummeled Garcia. A right from Garcia connected. Body shot from Aleem. Big left hook from Aleem. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Aleem (87-84 Aleem)

Round eight: Body shot by Garcia followed by a jab. A counter hook from Garcia. A body shot connected. Garcia pressed forward. Aleem with a body shot. Garcia with counter combinations. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Garcia (77-75 Aleem)

Round seven: Both landed combinations. Left hook from Aleem caught the chin of Garcia. He landed another hook and a jab. Aleem with a right and left downstairs. Uppercut and body shot from Aleem. A counter hook landed from Aleem. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Aleem (68-65 Aleem)

Round six: Aleem with a straight jab. Garcia was told to pick up the pressure. Aleem with combinations and then landed body shots. From the inside, Aleem landed hooks. While both connected, Aleem landed the cleaner shots, including an overhand right. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Aleem (58-56 Aleem)

Round five: Aleem started to settle in a little bit. He pressed forward and landed hard body shots. Garcia landed a hook and an uppercut. Aleem with combinations. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Aleem (48-47 Aleem)

Round four: Garcia pressed forward and landed hooks. Aleem with a shot to the body. Garcia with a few jabs. Combinations from Aleem forced Garcia to trip. Both swung away. Aleem with body work. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Aleem (38-38) 

Round three: Whatever Aleem is throwing it is not doing enough to discourage Garcia. Aleem with combinations followed by a jab. Garcia with a counter right. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Aleem (29-28 Garcia) 

Round two: Lead hooks by Garcia. Body shot from the inside connected. A right connected by Garcia. Garcia with one-two combinations. He continued to land heavy shots to the body. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Garcia (20-18 Garcia) 

Round one: Garcia pressed forward to start things off. He landed jabs and hooks to the body of Aleem. Aleem with a jab himself. Garcia with an inside body shot and running hooks. He showcased a solid defense. Right to the body by Aleem. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Garcia

10:55 p.m. ET: The main event is coming up! Naoya Inoue returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2021 to defend super bantamweight gold. After a weekend some fans felt as a letdown, Inoue looks to end it with a bang. 

10:39 p.m. ET: Espinoza pummeled Vasquez through 6+ rounds in the most active fight of the weekend. The champion retained his title. 

10:06 p.m. ET: The first fight of the main card will see Rafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez for the WBO featherweight title. 

10 p.m. ET: The main card has started. 

9:54 p.m. ET: Phew, baseball game has ended. Braves beat the Dodgers. Boxing can start on time! What a wild thing to think about. 

9:34 p.m. ET: Last fight of the prelims ended as Rohan Polanco dominated Maidana. Now waiting for the Dodgers-Braves game to end for the main card to start (the main card is supposed to start at 10 p.m. ET).

8:47 p.m. ET: Rohan Polanco vs. Fabian Maidana is up next. 

8:27 p.m. ET: Vargas dropped Leon multiple times and the referee saw enough. There are more finishes on this fight card than the last two nights of boxing. 

8:17 p.m. ET: Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Juan Leon is up next. 

8:07 p.m. ET: Inoue announced his limit is featherweight. 

8 p.m. ET: In his U.S. debut, Nakano landed five knockdowns for the stoppage win. Nakano used more power against his opponent compared to any other boxer this weekend. 

7:45 p.m. ET: Naoya Inoue is eating cake before the main card starts. 

7:40 p.m. ET: From Korakuen Hall to the T-Mobile Arena, Mikito Nakano makes his U.S. debut against Pedro Marquez. 

7:37 p.m. ET: World champion Angelo Leo went on the show to preview the main card, specifically the co-main. He fights on May 24. 

7:34 p.m. ET: From round four on, Art Barrera Jr. looked fantastic against Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. The referee ended it in the sixth via TKO. What a performance. Straight action!  

7:08 p.m. ET: Art Barrera Jr. vs. Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. is up next. 

7:03 p.m. ET: After starting slow, Raeese Aleem looked impressive against Rudy Garcia, landing several counter shots and blows to the body of Garcia. He wins his first fight of 2025. 

6:26 p.m. ET: The main card on ESPN could go on later, depending if the Dodgers-Braves game goes late. 

6:20 p.m. ET: Raeese Aleem vs. Rudy Garcia starts things off. 

6:10 p.m. ET: Something to note: Inoue is fighting tonight and is scheduled to face Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September. However, “MJ” will compete before then. He fights on the Manuel Gallegos vs. Khalil Coe card on May 30. 

6 p.m. ET: Hello everyone! This weekend has been a busy boxing weekend. However, we aren't done! Naoya Inoue returns to the ring! 

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Daniel Yanofsky

Daniel Yanofsky is the Combat Sports Editor for The Sporting News since late 2021. Prior to working for TSN, Daniel provided insight on combat sports for Fightful, FIGHT SPORTS, and Wrestling Inc. A proud Ithaca College alum, when he isn’t working on his golf game, Daniel is advocating for three-minute rounds in women's boxing.

You can follow him on Twitter via @DanYanofsky.