In a sport often criticized for its lull between marquee matchups, Naoya Inoue has reignited the flame of excitement. On May 4, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Inoue faced the unheralded Ramon Cardenas, a 100/1 underdog. Despite a shocking second-round knockdown, Inoue recovered to deliver an eighth-round technical knockout, retaining his undisputed super bantamweight titles and extending his undefeated record to 30-0 with 27 KOs.

The Anatomy of a Champion

Inoue’s fighting style is a masterclass in technique and power. Here’s what sets him apart:

Relentless Body Attack

Inoue dedicates significant portions of his training to body work, developing his body punching combinations. He frequently employs the left uppercut to the solar plexus and the hook to the liver, debilitating his opponents with repeated strikes

 Unorthodox Combinations

His ability to throw both left and right-handed punches with equal power makes him unpredictable. Inoue often delivers unorthodox combinations, such as a left uppercut followed by a right hook, catching opponents off guard and overwhelming them with his offensive onslaught.

 Relentless Aggression

Inoue is known for his constant forward pressure. He doesn’t shy away from taking punches to land his own, using his volume punching to outwork and overwhelm his opponents.

 Unbridled Power

Inoue’s knockout power is a defining feature of his style. He opts for Winning gloves, which are known for their softer padding, allowing him to deliver more forceful punches. His right straight is particularly devastating, capable of ending a fight in an instant.

Precision and Timing

Inoue uses subtle footwork to evade punches, setting up counterattacks with impeccable timing. His check hook, often delivered after baiting his opponent with a jab, exemplifies his ability to turn defense into offense seamlessly.

The Road Ahead

With his victory over Cardenas, Inoue has set his sights on future challenges. A mandatory title defense against Murodjon Akhmadaliev is scheduled for September 2025. Additionally, Inoue is considering a move up to featherweight to face Nick Ball later in the year, aiming to continue his legacy as one of boxing’s most dominant champions.

Inoue’s recent performance against Cardenas is a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering commitment to the sport. His ability to overcome adversity and deliver a decisive victory showcases the qualities of a true world champion. As he continues to dominate the super bantamweight division and eye new challenges, Inoue’s impact on boxing is undeniable.