Holy Hell! Inoue FLOORED by Cardenas Before Staging Epic Comeback

By Lewis Barnett 5 May, 2025 6 mins read 56 Views

I nearly spilled my beer all over my laptop last night. Seriously. There I was, watching what should've been another routine Naoya Inoue masterclass, when BOOM! The unthinkable happened.

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That Moment When Your Jaw Hits the Floor

The "Monster" got DROPPED. Like, legitimately face-planted by Ramon Cardenas in the second round of their super-bantamweight title fight. I've rewatched that left hook about 17 times now, and it still doesn't seem real. My buddy Jake texted me immediately: "Did that just happen or am I hallucinating?"

Nope. It happened alright.

Vegas Collectively Gasped

The T-Mobile Arena went dead silent. You could practically hear wallets closing as betting slips were mentally torn up. Inoue, with his perfect 30-0 record, was suddenly on his back looking up at the lights. The referee Thomas Taylor started counting, and honestly, Inoue looked WOBBLY. Taylor got to eight before Inoue fully gathered himself, and then—thank god for Inoue—the bell rang ending the second round.

Talk about saved by teh bell. Literally.

The Monster Awakens (And He Was PISSED)

What happened next was why boxing is the greatest sport on earth. Period. The 32-year-old Japanese superstar took some time to regroup, and then... well, he remembered he's Naoya freaking Inoue.

By rounds six and seven, Cardenas was getting absolutely BATTERED. CompuBox showed Inoue landing 57 of 103 power punches across those two rounds. That's not boxing—that's assault with witnesses.

$5K Down the Drain

My cousin bet heavily on an Inoue knockout in the first 5 rounds. Poor guy. He's been insufferable since winning $2,000 on that Fury-Usyk snoozer back in May, so I can't say I'm completely heartbroken about his loss. "This is why I should stick to football," he texted me afterward. Yeah, no kidding.

By round eight, it was academic. The ref stepped in to save Cardenas from further punishment, and Inoue had secured yet another TKO victory. The judges had him up 68-63 at the time of stoppage, which feels about right given the knockdown.

What The Monster Said

"By watching tonight's fight, everyone is well aware that I like to brawl," Inoue admitted afterward. "I was very surprised [at the knockdown], but I took things calmly and put myself together. From then on, I made sure not to take that punch again."

Understatement of the century right there.

It was Inoue's first Vegas appearance in four years, and you could tell he was genuinely touched by the reception. "The fans here were supportive and great. I hope I was able to entertain them." Um, yeah. Getting knocked down and then coming back to win by TKO? I'd say that's pretty entertaining, champ.

Respect Where It's Due

Gotta hand it to Cardenas though. Dude came to FIGHT. He got dropped himself in the seventh round but showed incredible heart throughout. After the bout, he acknowledged he was up against "pound-for-pound one of the greatest fighters on the planet."

No argument here.

What's Next For The Monster?

Word is Inoue will face mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September. After watching last night's scare, I'm suddenly not as confident about that matchup as I was 24 hours ago. Akhmadaliev hits HARD, and now everyone knows Inoue can be hurt.

But that's why we love this sport, right? One punch can change everything... just ask Ramon Cardenas.

I'll be front row for that September showdown. My editor promised me tickets after I covered three amateur cards in 2023 when nobody else would. Time to collect on that promise!

Frequently Asked Questions

How important does physical conditioning play in professional Boxing?

Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands high levels of strength, speed, endurance, and agility. Professional boxers need to engage in a customized fitness program, which includes aerobic and anaerobic exercise, strength and resistance exercises, and flexibility workouts. Boxers' ability to perform and train effectively in the ring will be compromised if they do not have superior physical condition.

What should a potential boxing trainer or coach look like?

A boxing coach should have experience in the sport, be able to work with other boxers successfully, have a compatible coaching style, as well as a solid understanding of its technical and strategic components. A good trainer also stresses safety, conditioning, as well as personal growth. Additionally, it is essential to have a coach who communicates effectively and motivates you to reach your full potential in boxing.

How important is mental toughness to professional boxing?

Mental toughness in professional boxing is as crucial as physical conditioning. The sport demands resilience, focus, the ability to handle pressure, and the psychological fortitude to overcome adversity. Mental training involves visualizing, learning stress management skills, and developing the right mindset to take on the challenges inside the ring. A boxer without mental toughness may find it difficult to perform well under the extreme conditions of a professional competition.

What are the dangers of professional boxing?

Like all contact sports, professional boxing has inherent risks. There are many acute injuries that may occur, including head trauma and fractures. Chronic conditions can also develop, such a concussions. Proper training, safety equipment, and adherence to boxing regulations help mitigate risks, but they can never be fully eliminated. Understanding and accepting these risks is a critical part of choosing to box professionally.

Are there age restrictions for learning to box professionally?

Professional boxing has age restrictions. Most boxing commissions require boxers to be at least 18 years old to fight professionally. Although there is not a set age limit for the upper age bracket, factors like physical capability and health will naturally limit what age one can safely and effectively compete. The fitness of older athletes and the risks involved in taking up professional sports must be carefully assessed before they begin.

How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?

The transition from amateur boxing to professional requires a significant increase in training intensity and mental preparation. An amateur boxer is required to establish a record of success, usually by honing their skills at local and national contests. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.

How does a boxer maintain weight and weight class?

Boxers keep their weight under control by following a rigid diet and a specific training program. Dieticians work with boxers to create a diet that allows them to achieve their weight-class target without sacrificing energy and nutrition. It is important to maintain a regular exercise routine and check your weight regularly, especially as you approach a fight. Weight management is an important strategic process. If done incorrectly it can lead to poor performance or health issues.

Statistics

The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.

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How To

How to lose weight before a boxing match

A disciplined approach is required to manage your weight prior to a boxing match. Create a nutrition program that emphasizes hydration and complex carbohydrates while cutting down on foods high in sodium and fat. Increasing your water intake several weeks before the fight and then gradually reducing it can help manipulate water weight. If necessary, incorporate sauna sessions and increase your workout intensity to lose extra pounds. Prioritize safety, and do not use drastic methods of weight loss.