Ramon Cardenas lost by eighth‑round stoppage, but dropping Naoya Inoue with a left hook in round two turned a presumed mismatch into a Vegas thriller and put fresh shine on the San Antonio fighter’s name.
Co‑promoter Sampson Lewkowicz revealed that Akihiko Honda has already invited Cardenas to box in Japan next year as a reward for his fearless showing, while fellow promoter Garry Jonas says the 29‑year‑old will take “a long rest - maybe six months” before capitalising on new opportunities.
Watch Inoue vs. Cardenas post-fight presser: Watch
Lewkowicz also questioned whether the punishment Inoue absorbed, including that early knockdown, could delay the champion’s pencilled‑in September 14 unification with Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
Jonas believes Cardenas’ stock “went up without needing the win” and expects ProBox TV to steer him straight back into high‑profile fights once he is cleared, pointing to the buzz already building on social media and among match‑makers.
Cardenas may have entered T‑Mobile Arena as a heavy underdog chosen for Cinco de Mayo weekend – he leaves as a proven action fighter with the prospect of a headline night in Tokyo and a seat at 122‑pound boxing’s top table.
Ramon Cardenas's career is available here.
Image Credit: Ring