Naoya Inoue Three Toughest Victories

On May 4 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Naoya Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) will defend his undisputed super bantamweight crown against American challenger Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs). “The Monster” became the undisputed champion on December 26, 2023, when he defeated Marlon Tapales by tenth-round KO. Before Inoue‘s latest defence, we bring you his three toughest victories.

Three Toughest Victories for Naoya Inoue

Naoya Inoue vs David Carmona

Inoue faced David Carmona on May 8, 2016, at the Ariake Colosseum for the WBO super flyweight title. Throughout his career, Inoue has demolished and knocked out most opponents, but Carmona managed to extend him the full 12 rounds. Carmona showed his toughness through the first half of the fight, taking plenty of big shots and firing back with brief success.

An injury to Inoue’s right hand around the middle point of the fight handicapped him for the remaining rounds. But even with one hand, he had enough speed and ring IQ to pick his punches impressively and win by unanimous decision with the scorecards reading 118-109 x2 and 116-112. At the time, this was only Inoue’s second points win.

Read More: Five Most Memorable Naoya Inoue Knockouts

Carmona’s bravery failed to trouble Inoue, but the injury was a new challenge for the “Monster” early on in his career. He had to change his game plan and readjust. It was a potentially difficult moment that saw Inoue come through with flying colours.

Nonito Donaire

Naoya Inoue became the unified world bantamweight champion and collected the World Boxing Super Series title by defeating Nonito Donaire by unanimous decision (116-111 117-109 114-113). It all ended well, but it was the toughest night of Inoue’s career.

Inoue had big moments in the fight and came close to stopping Donaire in round five while scoring a knockdown in the eleventh. Donaire appeared to have “The Monster” under pressure in the eighth.

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Donaire pushed Inoue further than anyone had and deserved to hear the final bell. “The Monster” deserved the win, but Donaire, despite losing his WBA title walked away with plenty of plaudits. Inoue survived a cut after two rounds and became the unified champion but it was undoubtedly one of his toughest wins.

Luis Nery

Inoue’s toughest career moment came on May 6, 2024, when he defended his title against Luis Nery at the Tokyo Dome. The opening round was fireworks from the first punch, with both looking to hand hurtful shots before Nery stunned the boxing world by catching Inoue with a left that sent him to the canvas for the first time in his career. Nery sensed a stunning stoppage but “The Monster” survived the round.

Inoue returned the favour and knocked Nery down with a well-timed left hand in the second Following the first knockdown scored by Inoue the tide changed and “The Monster” began to let his hands go.

Read More: Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery: Five Things We Learnt From Tokyo Dome Card

Inoue was on top when he scored another knockdown in the fifth, before nearly forcing the stoppage at the end of the fifth.

It was all she wrote in round six, with Inoue well on top. The Japanese star landed a right uppercut and right hook, which left Nery unable to beat the count giving Naoya Inoue another KO win for his record.

Despite eviscerating most opponents, Inoue has shown in these three fights that he can bite down on his gum shield and come through difficult moments. Can Cardenas test Inoue? Will it be a routine night for “The Monster?”

Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas Full Fight Card

• Naoya Inoue vs Ramon Cardenas; For Inoue’s WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF super bantamweight titles
• Rafael Espinoza vs Edward Vazquez; For Espinoza’s WBO featherweight title
• Rohan Polanco vs Fabian Maidana; Welterweight
• Emiliano Vargas vs Juan Leon; Super lightweight
• Art Barrera Jr vs Juan Carlos Guerra; Super welterweight
• Mikito Nakano vs Pedro Marquez; Featherweight
• Ra’eese Aleem vs Rudy Garcia; Featherweight
• Patrick O’Connor vs Marcus Smith; Cruiserweight