Naoya Inoue Confirms Next Opponent After Cardenas Win

On May 4 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Naoya Inoue survived a second-round knockdown to eventually overwhelm and stop the tough American Ramon Cardenas in the eighth round. This victory was the fourth successful defence of his undisputed super bantamweight crown. Following the win on Sunday, attention quickly turned to what’s next for Inoue and he confirmed his next opponent, also revealing the month for the fight.

Naoya Inoue Confirms Next Opponent After May 2 Firefight

Victory Over Cardenas Sets Up Next Fight for Inoue

After a cagey opening round in Las Vegas, Cardenas landed a well-timed left hook, dropping Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs). “The Monster” looked to have recovered by the start of round three and began to put his shots together well and find his range. Cardenas (26-2, 14 KOs) remained competitive, but Inoue increased the pressure.

The Japanese star enjoyed a big round six, landing a barrage of eye-catching punches towards the end of the round. Inoue made a significant breakthrough in the seventh, dropping Cardenas following a series of heavy right hands.

The American continued to show his bravery in the eighth, firing back in between attacks from Inoue, but the accuracy of the Japanese star forced referee Thomas Taylor to step in and wave the fight off. It was an entertaining firefight, which rescued a turgid weekend of boxing.

Immediately in the ring after the fight, Naoya Inoue confirmed his next opponent as Murodjon Akhmadaliev: “Next, September, MJ,” Inoue confirmed via a translator.

Eddie Hearn Confirms Naoya Inoue vs Murodjon Akhmadaliev

Eddie Hearn has consistently chased the Inoue fight and has accused the Japanese star of ducking Murodjon Akhmadaliev (13-1, 10 KOs). Hearn did reveal via his X account that Inoue-Akhmadaliev was a done deal: “Done deal, finally! Uzbek Power vs The Monster Best fight in the division.”

Before the Uzbek fighter gets his big opportunity, he has to navigate past Luis Castillo on May 30.