Naoya Inoue has locked in a two-fight plan for 2025, starting with a May 4 defense of his undisputed super bantamweight titles against Ramon Cardenas at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Cardenas isn't exactly a household name, but he steps in after original frontrunner Alan Picasso reportedly passed on the fight. The matchup figures to garner mild interest in the U.S. given Cardenas’ relatively obscure résumé.
Some fans are disappointed Inoue isn’t squaring off with a more recognizable threat stateside, but “The Monster” is saving the bigger showdown for Tokyo on September 14, when he’s slated to meet WBA interim champ Murodjon Akhmadaliev. That’s the fight many have been clamoring for, as it poses a legitimate test for the undefeated Japanese star, who some feel has padded his record by facing lesser opposition. Indeed, outside of his win over a 36-year-old Nonito Donaire, critics argue Inoue’s resume could use more marquee names.
According to The Ring, Inoue’s co-promoters at Top Rank are aware of this plan, though you can’t help but wonder how they feel about him taking a softer touch like Cardenas for his first U.S. appearance of the year. Fans worldwide would have preferred a clash against big names like Gervonta Davis or Shakur Stevenson, but Inoue is presumably keeping his eye on a future featherweight campaign and - eventually - 130. For now, he’s looking to stay sharp in Vegas, then head home for a crucial unification bout with Akhmadaliev, which might be the biggest 122-pound fight available.
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