Naoya Inoue retained the Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Junto Nakatani in front of over 55,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome.

The long awaited mega fight was void of sustainable action over the first half of the fight. In that time Inoue was able to build a small leas as he was a bit more active especially with his counter right hand.

In round seven, Nakatani began to bleed from his nose. The two took turns winning rounds as the fight developed into more of a boxing match than the high action slugfest that many expected. Nakatani had some good moments in the later rounds, but was sowed by a headbutt in round 10 that caused a bad cut over his left eye. Inoue showed his championship mettle down the stretch as he was able to box well down the stretch and win by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113.

Inoue now is 33-0, while Nakatani falls to 32-1.

Takuma Inoue Decisions Ioka

Takuma Inoue defended the WBC Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over four-division world champion Kazuto Ioka.

At the end of round two, Inoue landed a counter right hand that set off four flush shots that was capped off by an uppercut that put Ioka down. Early in round three, another uppercut on the chin put Ioka down again.

Inoue of Yokohama, JAP won by scores of 118-108, 119-107 and 120-106 and is now 22-2. Ioka of Tokyo is 32-5-1.

Follow all the action as Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani square off in a mega fight for the Undisputed Super Bantamweight Championship

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Round 1: Jab from Inoue..Jab from Nakatani…Right from Inoue..Jab to Body

ROUND 2 Jab from Nakatani..Body shot from Inoue

ROUND 3 Jab from Nakatani…another one…Right from Inoue..Right…Good body shot

ROUND 4 Good shots Inoue..Left from Nakatani..

ROUND 5 Left from Nakatani..Right from Inoue…Nakatani lands a couple of body shots..Jab from Inoue

ROUND 6 Jab from Nakatani..Jab from Inoue…Jab from Nakatani..

ROUND 7 Combination from Nakatani…Inoue lands a right…Blood from the nose of Nakatani..Right from Inoue..

ROUND 8 Left from Nakatani..Jab from Inoue..Right..Jab…Combination from Nakatani

ROUND 9 Combination MakatanI..Combination..Right from Inoue..Uppercut from Nakatani..

ROUND 10 Combination from Inoue…Left from Nakatani..3 head shots..Clash of heads opens up cut over left eye of Nakatani…Right from Inoue

ROUND 11 Right from Inoue…Counter Uppercut..Right

ROUND 12 Left from Nakatani

116-112, 115-113 and 116-112 FOR INOUE

By Norm Frauenheim

Marinate, a promotional euphemism for momentum, is either another tiring tease, or an early way to test public interest, or a little bit of both in a recipe that leaves hungry fans wanting but never getting.

The current example: Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez-versus-Naoya Inoue.

There’s more talk than ever, perhaps because of Junto Nakatani’s disappointing decision over Sebastian Hernandez last month in what was supposed to be a convincing steppingstone to Nakatani-Inoue.

Nakatani was left with a bruised right eye and perhaps a bruised resume, yet he survived, still unbeaten for a fight long planned to be the biggest in Japanese history. According to multiple reports — one from Boxing Scene this week and another from the World Boxing Council, the long-planned bout is projected to be on May 2, a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Tokyo.

News of the projected date was also accompanied by a poll conducted by The Ring. Who would you rather see, Nakatani-Inoue or Rodriguez-Inoue?

The timely question was prompted by Nakatani’s problematic performance Nov. 22 in the former bantamweight champion’s first fight at 122 pounds.

Fans, never a patient demographic, apparently have seen enough. Already, it looks as if they’re ready to cast aside Nakatani-Inoue for Rodriguez-Inoue. Seventy-three percent would prefer Bam in the ring against the feared Inoue instead of Nakatani.

The poll, like all polls, could mean just about anything. It also might be unfair to Nakatani, an accomplished fighter who struggled at a new weight against a dangerous foe virtually unknown outside of Mexico. It happens.

It also gives Nakatani more to prove, perhaps enough to make him more dangerous to Inoue than ever. Lessons delivered, lessons learned. That happens, too.

Still, surprising questions are there, left in the wake of his controversial victory. Left there, too, is an affirmation of the emerging interest in Bam, whose move up the pound-for-pound ratings has put the San Antonio fighter among the top five, consistently behind only Inoue and heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk.

Although hard to judge, a poll is one possible ingredient in a fight that might do more than just marinate. Maybe, it resonates. Maybe, it happens. Let’s say that Inoue beats Nakatani as decisively as he has beaten so many others. Then, there could still be questions about his claim – lifelong ambition — on pound-for-pound supremacy. Answers might be there only in a date with Bam.

For now, at least, there are already betting odds on Bam-Inoue, still marinating in the public imagination. Inoue is a solid favorite, minus 550.

In the collective mind of many fans, however, the odds of the fight ever happening are longer. Quit talking about it, they say. It’s a waste of time, they say, because the size difference is too big. Bam is a unified Super-Fly champion, fighting at 115-pounds, seven fewer than Inoue, undisputed at junior-feather (122).

But consider this: The 5-foot-4 Bam and 5-5 Inoue both started at the same weight, junior-flyweight, 108 pounds. The “Bam-is-too-small-for-Inoue” argument sounds a lot like “Inoue is too small for Nonito Donaire.’’

The “too small” Inoue beat Donaire, scoring a unanimous decision, at 120 pounds, in the 2019 Fight of the Year. In 2022, he backed it up, scoring a second-round stoppage of Donaire.

The more significant difference is in that other seven – the years that separate them in age. Bam will be 26 on January 20; Inoue will be 33 on April 10.

The pressure builds with every second on that unforgiving clock, especially for Inoue. It’s no secret that smaller fighters have careers shorter than those in the heavier divisions. Through interpreters, he has hinted at retirement in 2027.

That’s next year, which means the Bam-Inoue marination could be at full boil in about six months.      

Naoya Inoue retained the undisputed Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Alan Picasso in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Inoue, 121.5 lbs of Yokohama, JAP won by scores of 120-108, 119-111, and 117-111 and is now 32-0. Picasso, 121.1 lbs of Mexico is 32-1-1.

Nakatani Decisions Hernandez

Junto Nakatani won a 12-round unanimous decision over Sebastian Hernandez in a super bantamweight bout.

Nakatani landed 297 of 837 punches. Hernandez was 273 of 921.

Nakatani, 121.6 lbs of Japan won by scores of 118-110 and 115-113 twice and is snow 32-0. Hernandez of Tijuana, MEX is 20-1.

With the wins by Inoue and Nakatani, it sets up a spring showdown between the two Japanese stars.

Garcia Wins Split Decision over Imanaga

Eridson Garcia won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated Taiga Imnaga in a lightweight bout,

In round eight, Garcia dropped Imanaga with a crushing right hook to the jaw. That was the difference as Garcia won two cards by 96-93 and 95-94 tallies while Imanaga took a card 95-94.

Garcia landed 116 of 379 punches. Imanaga was 115 of 373,

Garcia, 134.5 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 23-1. Imanaga, 134.1 lbs of Osaka, JAP is 9-1.

Tsutsumi stops Quintana in 4

Reito Tsutsumi stopped Leobardo Quintana in round four of a eight-round junior lightweight fight.

In round three, Tsutsumi was bleeding from the nose. In round four, Tsutsumi landed a big left that was foillowed by two rights to the head that put Quintana down and the fight was over at 1:14.

Tsutsumi, 129.7 lbs of Tokyo is 4-0 with three knockouts. Quintana, 129.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 12-2.

THE RING V: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI – FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER AND WEIGH-IN RESULTS

Reito Tsutsumi (129.7lbs) vs Leobardo Quintana (129.5lbs)
8 x 3-minute rounds Super Featherweight Contest

Taiga Imanaga (134.6lbs) vs Eridson Garcia (134.5lbs)
10 x 3-minute rounds Lightweight Contest

Willibaldo Garcia (113.9lbs) vs Kenshiro Teraji (114.5lbs)
12 x 3-minute rounds IBF World Super Flyweight Championship

Junto Nakatani (121.6lbs) vs Sebastian Hernandez (120.8lbs)
12 x 3-minute rounds Super Bantamweight Contest

Naoya Inoue (121.5lbs) vs Alan Picasso (121.1lbs)
12 x 3-minute rounds The Ring, IBF, WBC, WBO, WBA World Super Bantamweight Titles

DAZN broadcast begins at 12pm KSA in Riyadh, with the main event ringwalk expected at 3:57pm KSA, 12.57pm GMT, 7.57am ET, 4:57am PT, 9:57pm JST.

Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso faced off for the first time this week at Thursday’s Final Press Conference ahead of Saturday’s ‘The Ring 5: Night of the Samurai’ extravaganza in Riyadh.

The event is brought to fight fans on behalf of Riyadh Season by SELA, Matchroom Boxing and The Ring Magazine – broadcast live on DAZN.

Eddie Hearn arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host today’s presser at the Global Theatre at Riyadh’s spectacular Boulevard World.

‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ will be staged this Saturday at Mohammed Abdu Arena by Emirates NBD in Boulevard City.

The fight card also features former Bantamweight World Champion Junto Nakatani, moving up to Super Bantamweight to make his debut in the division, in a clash with Sebastian Hernandez of Mexico, Kenshiro Teraji defending his status as world champion at Super Flyweight against Mexico’s Wilibaldo Garcia, in addition to Taiga Imanaga facing Dominica’s Eridson Garcia, and Reito Tsutsumi taking on Mexico’s Leobardo Quintana.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in – which will now take place at 3pm KSA Time – here’s what the fighters had to say at today’s Press Conference:

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES:

Naoya Inoue
“This bout is going to be really important for my future – and how I fight it will be crucial to becoming pound-for-pound No. 1. So, I will give 100 per cent. I promise you that there is no chance that my belts are going back with him [Alan Picasso] to Mexico. This is a critical fight in the Super Bantamweight division, which you will see on Saturday. I am ready. All the Japanese fighters here have a high skillset and their mentality is very strong. That is proven and we will all fight good fights – and we plan to go home [to Japan] with good victories.”  

Alan Picasso
“First, I would like to say thank you to [His Excellency] Turki Alalshikh, The Ring Magazine and the promoters. All the people who have made this possible for me, thank you. It is amazing to be here. Of course, I want to share my respect to Japan and to all of the Japanese fighters. However, on Saturday, it will not be the ’Night of the Samurai’ – it is going to be an Azteca night. We represent Mexico and every single fighter who is here fighting for Mexico on this card, we are doing it for our people. We do it because of the blood running inside our bodies. I’ve been working and working so hard for this moment. I have run thousands of kilometres. I am so proud of the job I have done – and bringing those belts to Mexico would make my country so proud, so I will not let them down.”

Junto Nakatani
“First of all, I want to thank everyone for inviting me to such a big stage. I have been preparing 100 per cent, so you will see the best of me on December 27.”

Sebastian Hernandez
“Junto Nakatani is a really good fighter and I feel really excited for this fight. I have prepared my best, so I will give my absolute best in this fight too. Thank you for everything.”

Willibaldo Garcia
“People are wrong if they think I am going to lose. I am ready to win. I’m ready for war – I am going to win. I am going to finish him and I will deliver a KO.”

Kenshiro Teraji
“I really need to fight well and win what is such a huge match for me. I have to take the next big step [in my career], so I will make sure to win this World Title fight. I’ve always wanted to face [Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez] so I would like to perform well enough to get the chance to do so one day.”

Leobardo Quintana
“I’m ready – and I’ve been ready for the past week. I feel very strong and I am ready for victory.”

Reito Tsutsumi
“I know this is a great chance for me to impress on the big stage this time. That’s why I want to enjoy it on Saturday and have some fun as much as I can.”

Eridson Garcia
“Thank you to Matchroom and Turki Alalshikh for bringing me here. Of course, I am ready to upset everyone else and win the fight on Saturday.”

Taiga Imanaga
“I’m delighted to be here in Riyadh and I want to make sure that my presence is confirmed on such a big stage by trying my best to win, so keep on supporting me.” 

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman
“Welcome everybody here to Riyadh as we wrap up what has been an incredible year for Riyadh Season and The Ring Magazine. The growth of boxing here in Saudi Arabia and the vision of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has been inspiring and breathtaking. We have had just about everything in the Kingdom – but we have never had the invasion of the Japanese. Until now. That new force of world boxing, which we see up here today. Of course, this is the ‘Night of the Samurai’. But I am hearing in the room today a strong atmosphere for Mr Picasso and for many of the opposition teams here today and it is very much, ‘Viva Mexico Cabrones!’ We know what the Mexican fighters are coming here to do: they come to fight. And on Saturday, there will be a war going on between Mexico and Japan, in what I think is one of the best cards we have seen here in Saudi Arabia. When you look over the recent times, and of course being shown on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN, we have seen it all. Previously, we have had the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship twice and earlier this year, the Light Heavyweight Undisputed Championship with Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, not to mention Canelo Alvarez with the Undisputed Super Middleweight Titles. Plus, we have had for The Ring the two epic Eubank-Benn cards in front of over 70,000 fans. We’ve even closed down Times Square [in New York City]. We have seen it all. Despite having crowned so many Undisputed champions, there is only one reigning male Undisputed Champion and that is the great, Naoya Inoue, who is here as the only reigning male Undisputed champion and ready to defend his belts this weekend. This card, of course, is one of the strongest we have seen. There are so many great fighters. You will not want to blink. It’s incredibly exciting and it is a huge night for boxing.”

Rick Reeno, The Ring Magazine CEO
“I want to thank everyone for attending. Obviously, it is Christmas Day, so I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I told everyone that the day would come eventually, when Eddie Hearn would be my host at a Ring press conference! Eddie always likes to save a couple of quid, so he was all on board to host today. Like Eddie said, this is an unbelievable card. We have some of the very best talent on display, both present and for the future. Everyone is talking already about a potential Japanese mega fight between [Naoya] Inoue and [Junto] Nakatani. But we have two dangerous operators here with [Alan] Picasso and Sebastian Hernandez. These guys have got a legion of fans in attendance, and they are coming to spoil the party. I think we are going to see a lot of fireworks to close out the year. The year is not done yet and we may even get an upset. Anything can happen. We will see the future of Japanese boxing too in the form of Reito and Taiga [Imanaga], showing off their skills. Both of them are taking on a step up in class. They’re not like in some of the other regions where opponents are carefully picked, these guys love to be fast-tracked in Japan. Over there it is sink or swim. Either a guy has got it or he doesn’t have it. The managers and the handlers there are not concerned with putting their guys in the dep end against tough opponents. They like to know sooner rather than later before they invest more money into a fighter – and I respect that because often we see too much careful matchmaking going on, so I think that is what has helped ascend Japanese boxing. They want to make good fights and they’re not scared to make good fights. That’s why over the past few years you have seen so many fight of the year contenders coming out of Japan. You also have Kenshiro [Teraji] who is looking to bounce back and open up an exciting new chapter in his career too. He’s immediately moving up in weight to face a serious operator and a World Champion in the form of Willibaldo Garcia, who has made it clear he is coming for war. I’m really looking forward to it – we are going to see plenty of great action at this event. In fact, I’m looking forward to it so much that I am spending it with my mate, Eddie Hearn.”

The countdown to a ‘Monster’ Fight Night is officially on as the fighters took to the ring today for an open workout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster ‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ at the Mohammed Abdo Arena by Emirates NBD.

Headlined by Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue’s Undisputed Super Bantamweight defence against Alan Picasso, the event is brought to fight fans on behalf of Riyadh Season by SELA,Matchroom Boxing and The Ring Magazine – broadcast live on DAZN.

Inoue has his sights firmly set on becoming the Pound-for-Pound No.1 in the sport following the recent retirement of Terence Crawford.  

And the Japanese mega star – a four division World Champion who has dominated over two as an Undisputed king having never lost in 31 professional bouts (27 KOs) – was in a typically cool mood as he stepped inside the ropes to the fanfare of a huge media contingent watching on. 

His opponent Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs) had a lively, Mexican support at ringside to cheer him on as he plots to cause a major upset in the Kingdom this weekend.

Inoue also has the looming threat of fellow Japanese superstar Junto Nakatani looming over him, with the pair seemingly on collision course to meet in the future should they both come their respective fights this Saturday unscathed.

Southpaw Nakatani, who has an identical record to Inoue at 31-0 – albeit with 24 coming by way of stoppage – faces another Mexican in the form of undefeated knockout specialist, Sebastian Hernandez (20-0, 18 KOs).

Willibaldo Garcia (23-6-2, 13 KOs) puts his IBF World Super Flyweight Championship on the line when he faces the ‘Amazing Boy’ Kenshiro Teraji (25-2, 16 KOs). 

In the lightweight division, the highly touted Taiga Imanaga (9-0, 5 KOs) battles Dominican Republic fighter Eridson Garcia (22-1, 14 KOs) and, at Super Featherweight, 23-year-old prospect Reito Tsutsumi (3-0, 2 KOs) takes on Leobardo Quintana (12-1. 5 KOs).

Follow the latest updates – including Thursday’s Press Conference – ahead of Fight Night by following @ringmagazine on social media.

This Saturday, December 27, celebrate the holiday season with an exciting boxing event to end DAZN’s historic year: The Ring V: Night of the Samurai. With Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as the backdrop, Japanese native and four-weight world champion Naoya Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) aims to defend his Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title, where he will face unbeaten Mexican star Alan Picasso (28-0-1, 16 KOs) at Mohammed Abdo Arena. The Ring V: Night of the Samurai airs live on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 4:10 a.m. ET/12:10 a.m KSA worldwide and is included with DAZN’sUltimate Tier subscription at no extra cost. 

This incredible night also features a high-stakes undercard headlined by Junto Nakatani (26-0, 19 KOs) vs. undefeated Sebastan Hernandez (20-0, 18 KOs). Elsewhere, Kenshiro Teraji (23-1, 14 KOs) will face off against Willibaldo Garcia (22-5-2, 13 KOs) for the IBF Super Flyweight world title, while Taiga Imanaga (9-0, 5 KOs) and Armando Martinez (17-0, 15 KOs) go head-to-head in a lightweight clash. Reito Tsutsumi (26-2, 5 KOs) and Leobardo Quintana (12-1, 5 KOs) will also step into the ring in a super featherweight bout. 

The broadcast will begin at 4 a.m. ET/ 12 p.m. KSA, while the main event (Inoue vs. Picasso) ringwalk will start at 7:57 a.m. ET/ 3:57 p.m. KSA. This will be available on Pay-Per-View worldwide on DAZN, including Japan. Fans can tune into all fight week event streams via DAZN’s Boxing channel on YouTube. 

Kicking off DAZN’s loaded 2026 boxing schedule is an early candidate for Fight-of-the-Year as Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) puts his WBO and Ring Junior Welterweight title on the line versus Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) face off in The Ring IV, live on DAZN from The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, in New York, NY on Saturday, January 31. Fans can expect The Ring 6 undercard to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Fans can sign up for DAZN’s Ultimate Tier subscription, which includes both Ring V and Ring IV, encompassing a minimum of 12 PPVs a year, on top of the regular 185 fight nights. Signing up allows fans and viewers to watch Ring V and the January Ring VI: Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson without incurring additional pay-per-view costs. DAZN Ultimate also provides fans access to an extensive archive of classic bouts and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, giving them unmatched access to the sport’s biggest moments.

News and Social 

• YES or NO with Naoya Inoue 
• Are we going to see Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani next year? 
• Naoya Inoue has NEVER tasted defeat in his 31 professional boxing fights 
• Alan Picasso is ready to hand Naoya Inoue his first loss in boxing  
• Reito Tsutsumi on sharing a night with Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani 
• Inoue has made FIVE defences as Undisputed champion!  
• Inoue talks P4P king status, now Terence Crawford has retired…
• Inoue stopped Cardenas earlier this year
• A “Nobel Prize” one day…32-0 Alan Picasso hunts undisputed status at super bantamweight

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – September 18, 2025: HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the

General Entertainment Authority, has today announced a ground-breaking Riyadh

Season card for Saturday December 27 that will see some of the biggest fighters from

Japan showcase their talents in the ring at Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, headlined by undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso.

‘Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN, as well as on

Lemino in Japan.

Regarded as Japan’s greatest fighter of all time, Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs), a multi division

world champion, will look to further enhance his impressive record against Mexico’s

Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs), the WBC No.1-ranked contender at 122lb.

Last weekend, Inoue successfully defended his status as undisputed world champion

with an emphatic unanimous decision win over Murodjon Akhmadaliev. He will now

compete in his first fight in Saudi Arabia when he faces Picasso, who preserved his

unbeaten record in July courtesy of a majority decision victory over Kyonosuke Kameda.

Junto Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs), the reigning unified bantamweight champion, will fight at

super bantamweight for the first time when he goes up against the top 10-ranked

Sebastian Hernandez (20-0, 18 KOs) of Mexico.

Nakatani has solidified his status as one of boxing’s elite fighters having held world titles

in three different weight classes and most recently unified the WBC and IBF titles at

118lb with a brutal sixth-round stoppage of Ryosuke Nishida, while Hernandez, rankedNo.9 by The Ring, No.8 by the WBC, and No.10 by the WBO, secured a unanimous decision win against Azat Hovhannisyan in May.

Kenshiro Teraji (25-2, 16 KOs) returns to the ring in his first bout since losing the WBA

and WBC flyweight titles to Ricardo Sandoval via split decision, when he takes on

Mexico’s Willibaldo Garcia Perez (23-6-2, 13 KOs), who claimed the first world title of his career in May with a split decision win against Rene Calixto Bibiano for the vacant IBF super flyweight belt.

Completing this thrilling ‘Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ lineup, Taiga Imanaga (9-0, 5

KOs) takes on WBA lightweight No.4 Armando Martinez (16-0, 15 KOs) from Cuba, while Tsutsumi brothers Reito (3-0, 2 KOs) and Hayato (8-0, 5 KOs) get ready to face Mexico’s Leobardo Quintana (11-1, 5KOs) and British fighter James Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs), respectively.

About Riyadh Season

Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every

year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. Most recently, Riyadh Season 2024 reached a major milestone after the number of visitors for the year exceeded 20 million for the first time.

About DAZN

DAZN, the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA), is creating the world’s biggest sports entertainment platform. A leading sports streaming service in Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, the US and UK, its wide range of content covers top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions. DAZN’s football rights include Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, making DAZN the largest broadcaster of football in Europe. DAZN is the global home of women’s football, broadcasting the UEFA Women’s Champions League alongside top-tier domestic league and cup competitions. DAZN’s portfolio features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP, PGA and the best in boxing and MMA. As the global home of NFL Game Pass, it is the only place for fans outside of the USA to watch every NFL match live. DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment service, where fans from across the globe can watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com.

   • Naoya Inoue 121.7 lbs vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev 121.3 lbs
(Undisputed Super Bantamweight World Championship — 12 Rounds)

•  Yoshiki Takei 118 lbs vs. Christian Medina 117 ¾ lbs
 (WBO Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•  Yuni Takada 104 ¾ lbs vs. Ryusei Matsumoto 104 ¾ lbs
 (Vacant WBA ‘Regular’ Minimumweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

(Sept. 11, 2025) — The highly anticipated undisputed super bantamweight championship showdown between reigning king Naoya Inoue and former unified champion Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev —Sunday, Sept. 14 at IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan — will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. and UK on the Top Rank Facebook channel.

The three-fight streaming broadcast begins at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT/9 a.m. BST, with Inoue and Akhmadaliev expected to make their ring walks at approximately 6:40 a.m. ET/3:40 a.m. PT/11:40 a.m. BST.

Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs) will make the fifth defense of the undisputed title since December 2023, when he knocked out fellow unified champion Marlon Tapales to unify all the belts. This marks the 26^th consecutive world title appearance for Inoue, who returns to Japan following May’s stirring eighth-round TKO of Ramon Cardenas at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Akhmadaliev (14-1, 11 KOs), the WBA interim belt-holder, has won three consecutive bouts by stoppage since a split decision defeat to Tapales.

In other streaming action:

• WBO bantamweight world champion Yoshiki Takei (11-0, 9 KOs) aims to defend his title for a third time when he battles Mexico’s Christian “Chispa” Medina (25-4, 18 KOs).
   
• The vacant WBA ‘regular’ minimumweight belt will be on the line when Yuni Takada (16-8-3, 6 KOs) fights southpaw standout Ryusei Matsumoto (6-0, 4 KOs).

To access the Top Rank Facebook channel: CLICK HERE.

By Norm Frauenheim

It’s in Japan. But it might as well be on Jupiter. It’s the forgotten fight, shoved off stage and out-of-mind by attention and anticipation captured by the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford fight next week at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

At any other time, Naoya Inoue-Murojdon Akhmadaliev would be a talker. It’s a big fight, significant enough to include pound-for-pound implications. For Inoue, it’s perhaps the biggest challenge to his pound-for-pound claim and emerging celebrity since victories over Nonito Donaire in 2019 and again in 2022.

In the here-and-now, however, only Canelo-Crawford is doing numbers that multiply and amplify as the Sept. 13 opening bell approaches. Will Inoue and Akhmadaliev the next day eventually matter? Forgotten now, but unforgettable later?

The relevance to their  junior-featherweight fight, of course, hinges – first – on Canelo-Crawford Sept. 13 in Vegas and then what they do a few hours later in Nagoya Sept. 14. By the time Inoue and Akhmadaliev enter the ring, they should know who won between Canelo-Crawford.

On Vegas’ clocks, Inoue-Akhamadaliev is scheduled to begin at about 1 a.m. Sept 14. That’s about the same time Canelo has been known to arrive at post-fight news conferences.

It’s anybody’s guess as to who will celebrate at the newser. Canelo-Crawford is hard to pick for reasons that have been analyzed and over-analyzed over the last few weeks. Betting odds suggest the super-middleweight fight is a close call, which helps explain some of the interest. Those odds suggest the post-fight newser could be controversial, too.

Inoue-Akhmadaliev is not expected to be as close, although the Uzbek’s punching power is reason not to rule out an upset. Still, the odds are one-sided. Inoue is about an 11-1 favorite, which simply means his unbeaten run continues. Also, Inoue is the only fighter the public really knows.

Most people, including media, are still learning how to spell Akhmadaliev.

But people know Canelo, maybe Mexico’s best fighter ever and still the game’s only pay-per-view star. They know Crawford, still unbeaten and bidding to be an undisputed champion at three weights.

Both have been at the top of the pound-for-pound debate for years. Canelo-Crawford is full of reasons to stop and watch. Guess here, Inoue and Akhmadaliev will too in the hours before they face each other.

What they’ll witness, however, is anybody’s guess. Still, the result might be the source of some motivation, especially for Inoue. The dynamic little guy, Japan’s Rising Son and a giant name in a sports universe dominated by Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers, is already arguing that he’s the world best fighter, No. 1 in the pound-for-pound debate.

Above all, Inoue needs to beat Akhmadaliev to keep himself in the argument, which for the last year has been down to three — Inoue, Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk.

A knockout of Akhmadaliev would strengthen Inoue’s claim, especially if Canelo-Crawford comes down to a debatable result on the scorecards – a split or majority decision.

Crawford by stoppage or one-sided decision would probably end the argument, putting him at No. 1 in what could be the final punctuation to a fight some speculate will be the last in his brilliant career.

Canelo, whose record includes two defeats, could resurrect his pound-for-pound claim with a big knockout. Whatever happens, Usyk, unbeaten at two weights and undisputed at heavyweight, will still be there with another date, another fight to stay relevant.

Oscar Valdez comeback scheduled for ESPN Deportes

Oscar Valdez Jr. is going home in a fight to resurrect his career in a bout against Ricky Medina Saturday that will be televised by ESPN Deportes.

Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs), a former two-division champion,  returns to Nogales, his birthplace, for his first fight since a punishing rematch loss to Emanuel Navarrete in December in Phoenix.

The card featuring Valdez-Medina is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. The fight at Domo Binacional will be Valdez’ first in Nogales, the Sonoran town on the Mexican-Arizona border.

“The main goal for me right now is to become a world champion again,” Valdez, a two-time Mexican Olympian, said. “I want to return to Nogales as a world champion, and I want to be your champion.

“But in order to do that, I have to get through this fight. I’m taking this fight very seriously. I respect Ricky Medina a lot. I have seen him fight. He is strong and young, and he has the same dream that I have. All boxers want to become a world champion, and that’s why we are all here.”

The 34-year-old Valdez, popular in Mexico and Arizona, held world belts at featherweight and junior-lightweight. He was beaten twice by Navarrete and once by Shakur Stevenson.

His most noteworthy victory was a stunning stoppage of Miguel Berchelt. Medina (16-3, 9 KOs) is a 24-year-old junior-lightweight from San Antonio.

LAS VEGAS –The chants were back.

But Manny Pacquiao wasn’t, at least not in the eyes of three judges.

The 46-year-old Pacquiao, who seemed to defy middle-age and perhaps the aches-and-pains that come with it Saturday, was left with a controversial majority draw with World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand.

The controversial scorecards mean Barrios keeps the belt and Pacquiao was denied a chance to make history. The Filipino legend had hoped to become boxing’s second-oldest world champion ever.

“I thought I won,” Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) said.

So did a crowd of 13,107 fans, who chanted the familiar “Manny, Manny” before and after every round. But those chants were supplanted by boos when the cards were announced. Max DeLuca had it 115-113 for Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs). Both Steve Weisfeld and Tim Cheatham had it, 114-114. The Boxing Hour scored 116-112 for Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, his worldwide celebrity still intact, suggested that his quest in the risky ring will continue.

“I need to continue my training for longer going into a championship fight,” Pacquiao said. “Because of the election I started late, but it’s okay. Of course, I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.”

Barrios said he would give Pacquiao another opportunity.

“I’ll do the rematch,” Barrios said. “Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again.” 

Expect the controversy to linger. It looked as if Pacquiao was well on his way beating a man 16 years his junior in a tactical, patient execution of the sweet science. He wasn’t the explosive, Bruce Lee-like figure that once blew away Hall-of-Fame names like a force of nature. This was a former Senator, deliberative and still dangerous enough to be a world champion.

Pacquiao’s familiar footwork, including a stutter-step inside, was there. The punch that followed, however,  missed more often than it had when Pacquiao’s power proved to be so lethal against Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Ricky Hatton.

All the while, Barrios looked tentative, cautious perhaps because he was looking into the face of a legendary lion,  or maybe because he didn’t want to go out like Hatton, who waa lifted so high by a Pacquiao knockout punch that you could see the bottom of Hatton’s shoes from ringside. The years have left some lines on that Filipino face. There’s gray in his facial hair.  The punches travel at a slower rate. The explosive dynamic isn’t there anymore.

But the skillset is still solid, tempered by time yet improved by wisdom. Above, he still knows his way around the ring. That has changed. Then again, neither has the judging.

Welcome back, Manny, on a night full of cheers and boos.

Tszyu surrenders, Fundora wins TKO

Blood was expected. There was a trace. In the end, however, there was surrender.

The rematch ended abruptly with Tim Tszyu sitting on his stool after the seventh, perhaps his best round, Saturday night against Sebastian Fundora in front of an astonished crowd awaiting Manny Pacquiao’s comeback against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand. 

This was the same Tszyu who refused to quit after he suffered a gruesome cut at the top of his head in their first fight.  Then, it seemed as though nothing could stop him from fighting on. This time, however, he didn’t lose much blood from a cut above his right eye. This time, he lost his will.

“That’s one tough m-effer,” Tszyu said as he pointed at Fundora after the surprising conclusion to a much-anticipated sequel.”And I tried to give everything.”

It was decided that everything was just not enough this time. The fight ended on the advice of his corner. His corner must have looked into his eyes and saw that there was no more blood to spill. Suddenly, they saw a fighter exhausted and unable to continue in a fight that raises doubts about the rest of his career

Tszyu’s challenge, a complicated mix of height and geometry, quickly became apparent. Tzsyu’s only path to victory is to step inside against the 6-foot-6 Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs), who has the wing span of a gigantic praying mantis. In the first round, Tszyu took that perilous first step. Boom, Fundora saw it and threw a counter-right that dropped Tszyu (25-3, 18 KOs) onto the canvas with a thud.

Emboldened, Fundora, still the junior-middleweight champ, took the initiative in the second, moving forward and forcing Tszyu into what looked to be a tentative retreat. Suddenly, blood appeared over Tszyu’s eye. For him, it had to be an uncomfortable reminder of the bloodletting he suffered in their first bout, won by Fundora in a split decision.

In the third and throughout the fourth, however, Tszyu became more surefooted and appeared to regain his aggressiveness. He also got a little quicker with his punches, effectively rocking Fundora with shots that seemed to take some of the edge and precision out his long punches. Tszyu capitalized. He began to circle , a wary predator. He also began to land throughout the fifth and again in the sixth.

In the seventh, the rematch began to settle into a brawl. It began with Tszyu rocking Fundora with a short right. But Fundora also began to re-employ his reach.

“We’ve been working on that all of the time,” said Fundora, who talked as if he wanted to use his incredible reach throughout the rest of the fight.

But Tszyu and his corner had already seen enough of it.

The seventh round was more than the beginning of the end. 

It was the end.

Pitbull Cruz wins dominant decision

Omar Salcido was a late stand-in, which is another way of saying he probably doesn;t have a chance.

He didn’t.

Salcido, who replaced Angel Fierro Friday, did a lot of things. He endured. He even took Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz into the 10th and final round. But any chance at a huge upset was never really there. Cruz started slowly and then showed all the aggressiveness defined by his nickname with a bullish assault over the final three rounds of a live-streamed bout on the Pacquiao-Barrios card at the MGM Grand.

In the 10th, Salcido ((20-3, 14 KOs) went to his knees. He was also penalized, losing a point for an apparent attempt at an illegal blow.

In the end, it was more than a shutout on the scorecards. Cruz, an interim junior-welterweight champion, won 100-88 on one cad and 99-89 on the other two

After it was over, Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) had kind words for Salcido, who suddenly became his opponent when Fierro was sent to the hospital after a futile attempt to make weight.

“I have ultimate respect for him taking the fight,” said Cruz, who had only contempt for Fierro, whom he called unprofessional. “He’s a good fighter. We’re both champions.’

Figueroa scores decision over Joet Gonzalez

Brandon Figueroa calls himself The Heartbreaker.

Figueroa did that and more Saturday. The heartbreak was suffered by Joet Gonzalez, who continues an up-and-down ride through a career that is 4-4 over his last eight bouts, including successive losses over his last two.

Figueroa (26-2-1, 19 KOs), a former champion at 122 and 126 pounds, appeared to have a slight advantage in size and strength against the star-crossed Gonzalez (27-5, 15 KOs), a Los Angeles fighter who was game yet just no good enough in a featherweight eliminator on the Pacquiao-Barrios card at the MGM Grand.

Throughout the middle rounds, it often looked as if Gonzalez was fighting Figueroa to a standstill. It looked to be close in the ring, but not on two of the three scorecards. Both favored Figueroa 116-112. The third had it 115-113, also for Figueroa, a Texas fighter still in the hunt for another bel

Gary Russell Jr. scores four knockdowns for stoppage win

Gary Russell Jr., more idle than active, still possessed enough power and poise  to dominate, knocking down Hugo Castaneda twice in the second round and again in the sixth enroute to 

Castaneda, a lightweight from Mexico, came roaring back in apparent desperation in the fourth, driving the 37-year-old Russell (32-2, 19 KOs) into the ropes. But a sweeping right hook from Russell, an ex-featherweight champion from Washington DC, ,dropped Castaneda in the sixth. Yet, Castaneda (15-3-1, 11 KOs), ever resilient, continued to march forward, all the while throwing a succession of punches. 

Yet he could never hurt Russell, or even knock him off balance. In the end, Russell power was decisive, including a fourth knockdown in the 10th, ending the fight at 26 seconds of the round

Nothing artistic, but PIcasso wins majority decision

It wasn’t artistic, but Mexican junior-featherweight David Picasso did enough to win and perhaps keep himself in contention for a  possible shot at Naoya Inoue.

Picasso (32-0-1, 18 KOs), who turned down a chance to fight Inoue months ago,  struggled throughout a close 10-round fight against Inoue’s fellow Japanese fighter, Kyonosuke Kameda (15-5-2, 9 KOs), who appeared to mock him in the middle rounds. Kameda dropped his hands, stuck out his chin and shook his rear end.

The gestures proved to be an opportunity for Picasso, who applied fundamentals at MGM Grad., many of which scored often enough for him to escape with a 95-95, 97-93, 98-92 majority decision on the Pacquiao-Barios card.

Mark Magsayo wins one-sided decision

He had a little bit more experience. HIs feet were a little bit quicker. His hands were a little bit faster. 

Little added up to a lot, allowing Mark Magsayo to score efficiently and repeatedly in a one-sided, yet otherwise uneventful decision over Jorge Mata in a junior-lightweight bout Saturday on the card featuring Manny Pacquiao’s comeback against Mario Barrios.

Magsayo (28-2, 18 KOs), a Filipino who briefly held the World Boxing Council’s featherweight title in 2020. began to take control of the bout in the fourth round when he backed up Mata (41-3-2, 13 KOs) with a body-to-head assault. Still, Mata, of Mexico managed to endure, but never much more than that, losing by a wide margin on all three cards — 100-90, 98-92,100-90.   

First Bell: Filipino prospect drops the thunder, wins TKO

It opened with a Filipino beat.

Beat-down

Middleweight prospect Eumir Marcial warmed up the ring for fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao with a heavy-handed stoppage of Bernard Joseph in a Saturday matinee, hours before Pacquiao would take the stage in his comeback against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand.

Marcial (6-0, 4 KOs), a 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, dropped Joseph (11-3-1, 5 KOs), of Dorchester MA, in the second and again in the third. A succession of shots in the third thundered throughout the empty arena, ending the bout in a TKO at 1:55 of the round. 

Khalil Coe avenged his only professional loss as he stopped Manuel Gallegos in round six of their 10-round light heavyweight bout in Guadalajara, Mexico.

In round one, Gallegos began to bleed from his nose after Coe landed a stiff jab. Coe continued to land hard shots, mostly jabs, the systematically busted up the face of Gallegos. The damage built up to the point where the corner of Gallegos pulled their man out of the fight one second into the sixth round.

Coe, 173 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is now 10-1-1 with eight knockouts. Gallegos, 173 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX is 21-3-1.

Coe suffered his only pro loss in November when Gallegos stopped him in nine rounds in Philadelphia.

Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela won a 10-round unanimous decision over Manuel Medina in a super lightweight contest.

Valenzuela, 141 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 31-4-1. Medina, 141 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 7-4-3.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev tuned up for a fall date with Nayoya Inoue with an eighth round stoppage over Luis Castillo in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

In round five, Akhmadaliev landed a hard left to the body that put Castillo down before the bell sounded to end the frame.

Round six saw Akhmadaliev land a short right that put Castillo down for a second time. In round eight, Akhamadaliv started to beat up and bloody the nose of Castillo and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Akhmadaliev, 122 lbs of Chust, UZB is 14-1 with 11 knockous. Castillo, 120 lbs of Jquipilco, MEX is 31-7.

Former world champion Adrian Curiel won a 10-round unanimous decision over Johan Rubio in a super flyweight bout.

Curiel, 119 lbs of Mexico City is 26-6-1. Rubio, 115 lbs of Guadalajara is 8-3-2.

By Norm Frauenheim

From weird to wow with a futile stop that was a waste of time, it was a weekend ride from gutter to great. 

For a forever fractured sport, there was reason for the usual abolitionists to say it’s dying, dead all over again. Then, there was a sudden resurrection of the stubborn resilience fundamental to a game always at its best when it’s getting up and off the deck.

Hate it or love it, it was all there in a postcard look at a journey that started in Times Square, not far from Madison Square Garden. Ryan Garcia lost and cried, Devin Haney was forgettable and Teofimo Lopez set himself up for a better day. Tank Davis, who is coming off a draw to Lamont Roach Jr, wasn’t there at all. 

They fought as though they would have been a lot more comfortable, if not more effective at the famed Garden, which — like author George Kimball’s original Four Kings (Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran) — emerged from it all with legacies very much intact. 

Then, there was Riyadh and super-middleweight Canelo Álvarez on the road to a September 12 date with former all-time welterweight great Terence Crawford at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. 

It was perceived to be a tune-up, Maybe, that’s all it was. If so, it should have happened behind closed doors instead of in front of a live-stream audience. There are more exciting sparring sessions in neighborhood gyms than what we saw in Riyadh. Maybe, Canelo was careful not to reveal anything in his decision over William Scull. Or, maybe, there’s just not much left, other than his restored undisputed title. 

Whatever it was, it left a question, a lingering one. Perhaps a damaging one, too. Throughout 12 rounds, there were persistent signs of a decline apparent for a couple of years. From a promotional standpoint, a quick knockout of Scull would have worked. It would have dispelled doubts about Canelo. 

But now they persist, all them fueling skepticism about whether Canelo and Crawford can ever fulfill escalating expectations.

The good news is, yes, they can. 

The proof was delivered on the weekend’s final stop, Las Vegas, where Naoya Inoue and Ramon Cardenas delivered a performance that had it all. 

There was a Rocky moment followed by that up-and-off-the-deck display of grit, which was then complemented by a poised, thorough execution of skill. 

Inoue’s eighth-round stoppage of the unlikely Cardenas in the Sunday curtain-closer to a Cinco de Mayo triple-header was a timely answer to all of the doom and gloom left by the Times Square and Riyadh exhibitions.

There’s no telling whether it’ll be Fight of the Year. A lot of factors go into that one. From this corner, however, it’s already the Most Significant Fight in this year and maybe a few others. 

Above all, it’ll keep some fans in their proverbial seats, at least for awhile. If Inoue-Cardenas had resembled the prior two nights in any way, another erosion in the fan base might have followed.

Inoue-Cardenas reminded us why we watch. Why we’ve been watching. 

It started with Cardenas, a likable San Antonio junior-featherweight who didn’t have any illusions about why he was there. He was the designated opponent for Inoue, heavily favored in what looked like a pound-for-pound campaign stop in his first American appearance in about four years.

But Cardenas promised Inoue a fight. He also said he wasn’t there just to collect a paycheck, which looked to be the only motivation in Times Square and Riyadh.

Cardenas’ proof was delivered by a short left hand that dropped Inoue hard in the second round. Japan’s rising son was dazed — in as much trouble as he been in his otherwise brilliant career. Luis Nery dropped him early, but not with the same concussive power. 

There have been a lot of questions about Inoue in the days since last Sunday. Above all, the knockdown is a reason for Inoue, now 32, to abandon his plans to move to featherweight, up the scale from 122 pounds to 126. He’s been knocked down twice in his last four bouts.

“As long as I can make weight at this division, I will stay in this division,’’ he said after breaking down and stopping Cardenas at 45 seconds of the eighth.

The Cardenas’ knockdown has also been interpreted as a developing vulnerability in Inoue. Maybe.

Maybe, he gets knocked down again by Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Japan on Sept. 14 in another opportunity to make a pound-for-pound statement just a couple days after Canelo-Crawford. 

Thus far, however, a solid case can be made that Inoue is at best at the very moment he appears to be at his most vulnerable. 

Throughout his brilliant 30-0 career, most of the attention has been on Inoue’s comprehensive skillset. Fair enough. But he’s proving to be special because of the way he addresses adversity. 

He fought back from a fractured eye socket, suffered in the second round, in a 2019 unanimous decision over Nonito Donaire. He got up from a first-round knockdown and scored a sixth-round stoppage of Nery in May 2024. Don’t be surprised if gets up, all over again against the left-handed MJ.

Boxing is all about adversity. It’s about getting up. In the here and now, nobody does it better than Inoue, a little guy with unerring instincts and knowhow, both more than enough to keep fans in the seats and him at No. 1 in the pound-for-pound debate. 

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — It was supposed to be the Naoya Inoue show. In the end, it was.

But the script took an unlikely turn produced by an unlikely fighter, Ramon Cardenas, who for a few seconds looked as if he had pulled off his own Rocky moment.

Cardenas (26-2, 14 KOs), an unknown and unheralded San Antonio junior-featherweight, damn near stole the show Sunday night on ESPN.

He didn’t. In the end, Inoue prevailed, doing what he and everybody in a roaring crowd at T-Mobile Arena believed he would. He scored

an eighth-round TKO of Cardenas.

But he had to get up to do it. Cardenas had been portrayed as a bit player in Inoue’s first trip to America in four years. He was there, on the stage a little bit like a punching bag. He was supposed to be part of a planned showcase of Inoue’s dynamic skills.

But apparently Cardenas didn’t read the script. He had his own role to play, and he delivered his opening line in the second round.

He put Inoue down with a left hand. Inoue, who had also been down against Luis Nery, suddenly appeared vulnerable. He was dazed. The crowd was stunned. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum must have been squirming.

This was a moment not in the script.

It was also a moment that said something about Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs), still the junior-featherweight division’s undisputed champion. Actually, he said it himself.

“I like to brawl,’’ Inoue said.

Good thing he does. If he hadn’t, he might have lost his prominent place in the pound-for-pound debate.

The brawling proved to be Inoue’s survival instinct. He got up, walked slowly to his corner, and slowly, yet stubbornly, began to break down Cardenas.

“I knew after the second round, I could not get caught by his left hand again,’’ Inoue said. “I didn’t.’’

Instead, he began to measure distance and range. From the third through the fifth, he began to catch Cardenas, who continued with punching exchanges that echoed throughout T-Mobile.

Espinoza retains featherweight title with seventh-round stoppage

He’s a singer. And fighter.

The beat went on for Rafael Espinoza Saturday in the final fight before the Naoya-Ramon Cardenas main event at T-Mobile Arena.

Espinoza stayed unbeaten, hitting every tune and pounding an incoming Edward Vazquez like a drum for six plus rounds for a seventh-round stoppage in a solid defense of his World Boxing Council featherweight title.

The game Vazquez was simply too small for the rangy Espinoza, who entertained the crowd after his with quote and a couple Mexican ballads.

In the opening round, a bulldog-like Vazquez flashed his trademark aggressiveness dodging in, out, under and around Espinoza’s huge advantages in height and reach. 

As the round ended, Vasquez (17-3, 4 KOs), a Mexican-American from Fort Worth TX, brought the crowd to its feet when he backed up Espinoza (27-0 23 KOs), putting the defending champion on the ropes.

In the third, however, it looked as if Vasquez had lost some of the bounce in his feet, allowing Espinoza to to plant and put leverage into his height and reach. He began to catch Vazquez with repeated head-rocking blows.

It was more of the same in the fourth. 

And the fifth. 

Vazquez looked dazed as he walked wearily to his corner after the fifth. Retired Mexican great Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera, who has been working with Espinoza, smiled  from his ringside seat.

Within a couple of rounds, Barrera could cheer. At 1:47 of the seventh, it was over, Espinoza a TKO winner.

Rohan Polanco dominates, scores excision over Maidana

Too much power. Too many jabs. Too much strength.

Rohan Polanco had too much of everything, overwhelming Fabian Maidana on the Naoya Inoue-Ramon Cardenas card at Mobile Arena.

Polanco (16-0, 10 KOs), a ranked welterweight contender from The Dominican Republic, did all of the stalking in the early moments, repeatedly backing Maidana (24-4, 18 KOs) into the ropes with a jab that was as precise as it was long.

For the next couple of rounds, Maidana looked for a way around, under, that jab. But there was no path through Polanco’s stubborn defense. In the fourth, Madana stepped forward. 

But Polanco was there with a push instead of a punch. Maidana fell flat on his rear end. It was not a knockdown. But it was a sure sign that Polanco was just stronger. In the sixth, a weary Maidana began to slow down. 

Polanco noticed. He smiled, almost mocking Maidana. Then, he unloaded a succession of body blows. It was just a matter of time, Still, Maidana held on, surviving a 10th-round knockdown. A body blow put him on hands and knees. 

Seconds later, there was the inevitable defeat — 100-89 on all three scorecards, a one-sided loss to Polanco.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — Naoya Inoue’s pound-for-pound campaign resumes Sunday in a return to America  against Ramon Cardenas in a T-Mobile Arena fight he calls a good “platform” to exhibit his skillset enroute to a significant September date against Murodjon Akhmadaliev. 

On Friday, Inoue confirmed an announcement on social media from promoter Eddie Hearn that he has an agreement to fight Akhmadaliev later in the year. 

Inoue told reporters that the agreement, announced on X early Thursday, was “written in stone.” According to a Boxing Scene story published on Thursday, Inoue-Akhmadaliev is planned for Sept. 14 in Tokyo.

It looks as if only Cardenas has a chance to rewrite what looks to be indelible. But it’s not much of a chance. Cardenas has power. The likable San Antonio junior-featherweight has poise. According to prohibitive odds, he also has virtually no chance, which also means he has nothing to lose. But he’s here, he says, to perhaps write his own name in stone. An upset of Inoue would do that. Money, Cardenas said, is not his motivation.

“I’m not here to collect a paycheck and that’s what makes me dangerous,” he said Friday during a formal news conference at the MGM Grand.

For Inoue, now 32, the bout looks to be a chance to re-awaken American fans to his comprehensive collection of skill. From power to precision, it’s all there, swift and deadly.

“The ideal situation is to show the American fans my boxing and win with a knockout,” he said through an interpreter at Friday’s news conference. “But more than anything, I want people to see what they haven’t been able to see yet in the U.S.”

Inoue was asked if Cardenas reminds him of any fighter he’s faced. That’s a tough question. said Inoue, who is in a three-way race with heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk and former welterweight great Terence Crawford for the top spot in the pound-for-pound debate.

“Cardenas is a very well-rounded fighter,” Inoue said.”And I think it’s a good platform to show my boxing skills.”

In part, Cardenas is an interesting opponent for Inoue because of his relationship with Akhmadaliev. They’re stablemates at trainer Joel Diaz’ Boxing Academy in Indio, a hot spot in the California desert between Phoenix and Los Angeles.

For Akhmadaliev and fans, how and what Cardenas does against the dynamic Inoue could provide a good look at what might happen in September.

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2025) — Nearly four years have passed since Naoya Inoue last fought in the United States.

But on Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, The Monster makes his stateside return.

Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs). It’ll be the biggest challenge of Cardenas’s career, but it’ll also be a shot to author an upset of the kind that once silenced Tokyo in 1990.

In the co-feature, Mexico’s  Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Texas-born former title challenger Edward Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs).

Inoue-Cardenas and Espinoza-Vazquez will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will begin at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT and features the return of unbeaten Dominican welterweight Rohan Polanco (15-0, 10 KOs), who meets Argentina’s heavy-handed Fabian Maidana (24-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Also, rising Mexican American prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) will take on Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

At Friday’s press conference, this is what the fighters said:

Naoya Inoue

“The last two times I was here, it was during the pandemic, and I had to train accordingly. But this time I’m fighting at T-Mobile, and that’s going to be the biggest difference.”

“I’m very motivated to fight in front of an American crowd in a big arena like this, but because it’s during Cinco De Mayo Weekend, it feels like I’m playing an away game. So I don’t know what to expect.”

“The ideal situation is to show the American fans my boxing and win with a knockout. But more than anything, I want people to see something they haven’t been able to see yet in the U.S.”

“Cardenas is a very well-rounded fighter. And I think it’s a good platform to show my boxing skills.”

Ramon Cardenas

“I remember watching 24/7 with Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather. I remember watching them and wanting to be here. And now I’m here. Also, fighting for a world title is one thing, but fighting for the undisputed title is more than I could ever ask for. It makes me hungrier. It makes me want it more.”

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight. I know Inoue is a pound-for-pound great. But I’m ready for that. I’m ready for the toughest fight of my career. I picture this being a hard fight, but I also picture myself coming out there and doing my thing and showing the world who I am.”

“I need to finish this mission. I’ve lost an uncle on the way. I’ve lost a trainer on the way. And now I’m two days away from accomplishing the mission, and that’s my plan.”

Rafael Espinoza

“This is another opportunity in my career. I think I have shown in each fight that I want to get better each time. This is not the exception. It was one of the best camps I’ve ever had. I feel great physically and mentally, so you can expect the best from me.”

“In my first fight with Ramirez, I knew that nobody knew what I was capable of. And I still haven’t showed what I’m capable, in terms of both my boxing skills and my heart. I have shown a bit, but I still have a lot to show. He’s a great fighter, so it’s a great opportunity to keep showing what I’m made of.”

“This is a great opportunity. I always wanted to fight on these dates, and I’ve always wanted to fight here. And now I’m doing that. So that gives me the motivation to wake up every day and give it a 1000% because I am accomplishing my dreams.”

Edward Vazquez

“It’s going to take violence to win. Total all-out violence. That’s why I’m here. I’m here to hurt him and take that belt back home with me to Texas.”

“For sparring, we’ve had a few guys come in who are 126 and 130 pounds. But for the most part, we used guys who are at 147 and 154, which is what I’m expecting to be at on fight night, so it works out.”

“I was one of the top amateurs at 145 pounds. I was always the smaller guy, but I always fought guys who were 6’1” or 6’2”. I traveled across the country fighting guys like that. If you know me, I’ll get in the ring with anybody.”

Rohan Polanco 

“It’s a Mexican date, so I want to tell Fabian Maidana to make sure he’s coming to fight. Let’s give a great fight to the people.”

“I always come to deliver a great show, as you have all seen in my last fights. This will not be the exception. I’m coming to fight. I’m coming to obtain the victory. And I’m coming to represent my country.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“Fight by fight, we’ll get there. This Sunday is going to be a Super Bowl event. I know we usually fight on Saturdays, but this time on Sunday. I just can’t wait. I know he’s ready. I’m only a pound away. I’m in the best shape. If they thought my last performance was great, I’m going to outshine the last one.”

“Every fighter has an opportunity to make a name. That’s their goal, and that’s my goal as well.  To make my dreams happen, I have to crush his. I know he’s ready. I know it’s going to be a tough fight. I know every fight is going to be a step-up fight.”

Juan Leon

“This is a dream come true. It’s incredible. I want to thank God. I also want to thank my promoter. So, I’m inspired to come here and give everything.”

On receiving the offer to fight Vargas

“At first, I didn’t believe it. I thought it was a joke. But then I saw it was real. I’m filled with inspiration to give everything.”

Art Barrera Jr.

“I’ve been busy. I just fought three, four weeks ago. This is obviously a bigger card, bigger opportunity, so it’s definitely a great opportunity to show my skill set.”

Raeese Aleem

“I’m excited to fight. Every time I step in the ring, I bring it. I earned the nickname ‘The Beast’ for a reason. Fast hands, fast feet, explosive… I’m an entertaining fighter.”

On a potential fight with Espinoza

“I’ve been trying to fight ‘The Tree.’ I’ve been trying to knock that tree down. We’ll see what happens. I have to get through this fight, It’s going to be a tough fight. Every fight at this level is extremely tough, but I’m going to show up and show out, and I’m looking for a big fight next.”

Sunday, May 4

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, 12 rounds, Inoue’s Undisputed Junior Featherweight World Title

Rafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez, 12 rounds, Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title 
 

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Rohan Polanco vs. Fabian Maidana, 10 rounds, Polanco’s WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title

Patrick O’Connor vs. Marcus Smith, 4 rounds, Cruiserweight (swing bout)

By Norm  Frauenheim

Naoya Inoue has heard the criticism, and it looks as if he has answered with news Thursday from rival promoter Eddie Hearn, who announced on social media that he has a “done deal” for Inoue to fight Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

Hearn, Akhmadaliev’s promoter, said he had an agreement in a message on X Thursday, a few hours before Inoue’s scheduled arrival at the Las Vegas’ MGM Grand for a fight Sunday against Ramon Cardenas at T-Mobile Arena.

There was no immediate confirmation of the agreement from Inoue, the Japanese star who first has to beat Cardenas before he can move on in his quest for pound-for-pound supremacy.

However, Boxing Scene reported a date and place — Sept. 14 in Tokyo.

Inoue, ripped by Hearn for a string of weak opponents, is expected to beat Cardenas. He’s a massive favorite over the San Antonio junior-featherweight. According to some on-line books, Inoue is a 50-to-1 favorite.

Buster Douglas was  a bigger underdog against Mike Tyson in Inoue’s home country in 1990. Douglas, a 42-1 underdog,  stopped Tyson, also in Tokyo, in one of the biggest upsets in any sport.

Translation: It happens, which is perhaps one reason to watch Inoue against Cardenas on an ESPN-televised card scheduled to follow the Los Angeles Dodgers — featuring Japan’s biggest star, Shohei Ohtani — against the Atlanta Braves.

Above all, the reported agreement could heighten interest in Inoue-Cardenas in the curtain-closer to a busy Cinco de Mayo triple-header beginning Friday at Times Square in a New York card featuring Ryan Gracia, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez.

On Saturday, the weekend’s second chapter plays out with Canelo Álvarez against William Scull in Saudi Arabia for the undisputed super-middleweight title.

Scull, a Cuban living in Germany, might have a better chance than Cardenas. But not by much. Canelo is a 30-to-1 favorite, according to books.

For Canelo, the bout versus Scull is thought to be a tune-up for his projected fight against former welterweight great and newly-minted junior-middleweight Terence Crawford.

Canelo-Crawford also is expected to happen in September, although a specific day has not been reported. There’s been no reported site either, although Las Vegas and Los Angeles have been mentioned. 

If in fact Canelo-Scull is a tuneup, it won’t be the only one this weekend. Inoue against Cardenas would be the second in Hearn’s announced plan for a showdown with Akhmadaliev, a former undisputed champion at bantamweight.

For Inoue, it’s an intriguing tune-up, a many-sided fight that includes an opportunity for him to deliver another combination. https://theboxinghour.com/2025/04/25/naoya-inoue-back-in-the-usa-with-a-chance-at-the-final-say/

Inoue, who is known for his masterful execution of combos, will have the weekend’s final word and perhaps an opening statement on what happens next.

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2025) — For the first time in nearly four years, boxing’s pound-for-pound monster touched down in America for a fight week.

Japanese icon Naoya Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) and San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) made their grand arrivals today in Las Vegas ahead of their showdown this Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena.

Inoue will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship in his first U.S. appearance since 2021. Cardenas will bid for his first world title and look to author a Texas-sized upset.

In the co-feature, Mexico’s Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Texas-born former world title challenger Edward Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs).

Inoue-Cardenas and Espinoza-Vazquez will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will begin at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT and features the return of Dominican welterweight contender Rohan Polanco (15-0, 10 KOs), who takes on hard-hitting Argentine Fabian Maidana (24-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Additionally, Mexican American star Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) will lock horns with Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.
 
At Thursday’s grand arrivals, this is what the fighters said:

Naoya Inoue

“It’s been four years since I’ve been here, so I’m very excited.”
 
“I am very much aware of what the fans expect of me. And on Cinco De Mayo Weekend, I plan on meeting those expectations.”
 
“{Cardenas} is a very well-rounded fighter. With that being said, he has a very good left. I don’t have time to be cautious.”

Ramon Cardenas

“I’m excited to be here.  I’m blessed to be a part of this weekend because we know it’s a historic week in boxing. And to be here, seeing my name on these billboards, is a blessing.”
 
“It means a lot to represent Mexico during this weekend because we’ve had legends and warriors fight on this weekend. I’m going to give my all.”
 
“This is a dream come true for me. I have to finish completing this dream. I’ve lost an uncle on this journey. I’ve lost a trainer on this journey. So, to be able to accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion is my goal.”
 
“I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I have no pressure on me, so I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great show.”

“I’m not here for the money. I’m here for the legacy. If I become a world champion, nobody can take that away from me.”

Rafael Espinoza
 
“I feel butterflies in my stomach! I’m happy because these are the dates I’ve always wanted to fight on. This is the place I’ve always wanted to fight at. So, it’s a dream come true, and it fills me with motivation. And I also have a strong desire to steal the show that night.”
 
“I consider myself to be a fighter who should be using my distance. But I like to fight on the inside. I know it’s one of my advantages. I’m tall, but exchanging punches is what has worked for me, and I feel that my conditioning has made me strong, so I try to take advantage of that.”
 
“He’s Mexican like me. He likes to come forward. So, his style will mesh well with mine because we’re both going to come forward. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m sure. I want to demonstrate that I’m ready for big things.”

Edward Vazquez

“I feel blessed to be here. The emotions are there, but I have to stay focused. I have to stay locked in. I’m trying to stay locked in and not let all of this get to me. I’m taking it moment by moment.”

“In the past, I’ve felt like I’ve only come short by a few points in fights. But Sunday night will be my opportunity to score a big point. That’s what’s on my mind.”

“You can expect all action. We’re going to leave it all out there. We’re going to give the fans a good show.”
 

Sunday, May 4

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, 12 rounds, Inoue’s Undisputed Junior Featherweight World Title

Rafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez, 12 rounds, Espinoza’s WBO Featherweight World Title 
 

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)Rohan Polanco vs. Fabian Maidana, 10 rounds, Polanco’s WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title

Patrick O’Connor vs. Marcus Smith, 4 rounds, Cruiserweight (swing bout)

Japanese pound-for-pound icon Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas.

Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) is 24-0 in world title fights and has captured undisputed championships in two weight classes, most recently at junior featherweight with knockouts of Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales. He’s also scored stoppage wins over future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, Paul Butler, and Luis Nery, whom he knocked out in front of more than 50,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome last May. Since last fighting in the U.S. in 2021, Inoue has emerged as boxing’s most dominant champion.

Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) rides a 14-fight winning streak into his first world title shot, highlighted by a breakout 2024 campaign that included stoppage wins over Israel Rodriguez Picazo and Eduardo Ramirez. Last month, he headlined in his hometown, rallying from a knockdown to outpoint previously unbeaten Bryan Acosta.

In the co-feature, Mexican star Rafael Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Edward Vazquez.

Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) burst onto the world stage in December 2023, rallying from a knockdown to upset Robeisy Ramirez and win the WBO featherweight title in what was named ESPN’s Upset of the Year. He defended the belt twice in 2024, including a rematch stoppage of Ramirez in six rounds. Now, Espinoza looks to make his third title defense in a division once dominated by Mexican legends Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), a native of Fort Worth, Texas, bounced back from a razor-thin split decision loss to future champion Raymond Ford in 2022 with a string of strong performances. He pushed then-unbeaten junior lightweight titleholder Joe Cordina to the brink in a close majority decision defeat in November 2023, earning respect on the world stage. Vazquez enters the bout riding momentum from back-to-back wins in 2024, including a fourth-round stoppage of Kenneth Taylor.

The action-packed undercard begins at 6:15 p.m. ET/ 3:15 p.m. PT live and exclusively on ESPN+.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna will call the action.

ESPN.com:

Garcia, Lopez, Canelo and Inoue in the same weekend? Get ready!

An FAQ as a guide to the Times Square card, Canelo Alvarez in Saudi Arabia and Naoya Inoue’s return to the U.S. on the same weekend.

Saturday, May 3:

Why Naoya Inoue is (almost) a perfect fighter

Timothy Bradley Jr. breaks down Inoue’s game in 12 categories, from offense to defense and power and speed, and highlights one thing he could do better.

ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life” chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Inoue vs. Cardenas (All Times ET)

About ESPN

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LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2025) — Boxing’s pound-for-pound monster has arrived on U.S. soil.

Just after touching down at LAX, Naoya Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) worked out for the media in Los Angeles, 11 days away from his undisputed junior featherweight title defense against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This is Inoue’s first stateside appearance in nearly four years, and he returns as a two-weight undisputed champion and global superstar. Inoue faced off with Cardenas and then went through the paces in the ring and on the heavy bag. He displayed flashes of the bone-crunching power that’s led him to knock out his last 10 foes.

Cardenas and junior welterweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) also participated in the workout. Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs), the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, will see action on the bill in an eight-rounder against Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs).

This is some of what Inoue had to say in front of the assembled media.

“It took me four years to come back {to America}, but I’d like to return sooner than later.”

“There is a great turnout of media today, and I’m very pleased. I know that the expectations are there, and I want to answer those expectations.”

“My father watched Barrera, Morales, and Marquez, so those are some of the Mexican fighters I’m fond of.”

“Cardenas is a beautiful fighter. He’s an all-around good fighter, but for me, it’s easy. No matter how he comes out, I think I have the advantage.”

Inoue-Cardenas and the WBO featherweight world title showdown between Mexico’s reigning champion Rafael Espinoza and Texas native Edward Vazquez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Vargas-Leon and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

LAS VEGAS (March 17, 2025) — “The Monster” is ready to hit his next undisputed junior featherweight world title defense out of the park. 

Japanese icon Naoya Inoue will defend all the belts against Ramon Cardenas on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inoue-Cardenas and the WBO featherweight title bout between reigning champion Rafael Espinoza and top contender Edward Vazquez will headline a world championship doubleheader that will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The Inoue-Cardenas card is scheduled to air immediately following the Sunday Night Baseball game between Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves.

Undercard bouts will be announced soon and stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

“This is a tremendous platform for Inoue to perform, as he and the incomparable Ohtani are two of Japan’s most decorated athletes,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “This promises to be a special event at T-Mobile Arena and for boxing fans watching on ESPN.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.

LAS VEGAS (March 14, 2024) — Almost four years since his last stateside appearance, Japanese fistic icon Naoya Inoue is set to return. Tickets for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight championship title defense against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas — Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada — are on sale now.

In the co-feature, Mexican star Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against Edward Vazquez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets for this world title doubleheader can be purchased via AXS.com.

This marks the first U.S. appearance for Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) since June 2021, when he stopped Michael Dasmarinas in three rounds. “The Monster” has fought eight times since, capturing the undisputed title in a pair of weight classes while maintaining his lofty perch as one of the world’s elite pound-for-pound fighters. Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) is a world-ranked contender riding a 14-bout winning streak.
 

LAS VEGAS (March 13, 2025) — Featherweight boxing has long been central to Mexico’s pugilistic tradition, and Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza is ready to honor that legacy on Cinco de Mayo Weekend.
 
Espinoza will defend his WBO featherweight world title against former world title challenger Edward Vazquez on Sunday, May 4, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
 
Espinoza-Vazquez, presented in association with Zanfer Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, will be the co-feature to the undisputed junior featherweight showdown between pound-for-pound icon Naoya Inoue and San Antonio native Ramon Cardenas.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, pre-sale tickets are available now by clicking HERE. The public on-sale is scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com.
 
Broadcast and undercard information will be announced soon.
 
“Rafael Espinoza is a towering featherweight with the power and skills to be a world champion for years to come, and we’re excited to showcase him on such a meaningful weekend for Mexican boxing,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum “Edward Vazquez is a tough, determined challenger who knows this is his shot to change everything. Fans at T-Mobile Arena are in for a treat as Espinoza shares the spotlight with the incomparable Naoya Inoue on this historic Cinco de Mayo card.”
 
Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) built his career almost exclusively in Mexico before shocking two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez for the WBO crown in December 2023. Dropped in the fifth, he stormed back to floor the Cuban in the 12th and secured a majority decision in ESPN’s Upset of the Year. He defended his title in June with a fourth-round TKO over Sergio Chirino, then ran it back with Ramirez in December, breaking him down and stopping him in six. Now, Espinoza looks to make his third world title defense in a division long ruled by Mexican greats like Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez. 
 
Espinoza said, “I’m thrilled to return to the ring, especially in the city where I always dreamed of fighting, Las Vegas. Fighting at T-Mobile Arena is also a dream come true, which adds even more excitement for me. Edward Vazquez is a tough fighter who wants to take what’s mine. But I’m prepared to show him that I’m here to stay as a champion. I cannot wait for May 4 to reaffirm that once again.”
 
Vazquez (17-2, 4 KOs), from Fort Worth, Texas, compiled an 11-0 record before suffering a highly controversial split decision defeat to eventual world champion Raymond Ford in February 2022. He rebounded with four victories before stepping up in weight to challenge undefeated IBF junior lightweight champion Joe Cordina in November 2023. Vazquez gave Cordina all he could handle in Monte Carlo, but Cordina retained his title with a majority decision. He returned to form with a decision over Daniel Bailey last May before blasting out Kenneth Taylor in four in October. 
 
Vazquez said, “May 4 can’t get here soon enough. I started boxing at eight years old and have been a pro for over nine years. Nothing has ever been handed to me. I earned this opportunity. Espinoza is a fantastic fighter and a deserving champion, but he has never stepped into the ring with someone like ‘Kid’ Vazquez.”

Naoya Inoue stopped late-replacement Ye Joon Kim in round four to retain the Undisputed Super Bantamweight title at The Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

In round four, Inoue hurt Kim with a hard right hand. Kim begged Inoue to come on. He got what he asked for and more as Inoue Landed a big right to the body that put Kim down for the 10-count at 2:25.

Inoue, 121.7 lbs is now 30-0 with 26 knockouts. Kim, 121.7 lbs of Seoul, SK is 21-3-2.

Sasaki Decisions Sakai

Jin Sasaki won a 12-round unanimous decision over Shohi Sakai in a welterweight bout.

In round five, Sasaki was cut over his right eye.

Sasaki is now 19-1-1. Sakai, 146.2 lbs is 29-1-5-3.

By Norm Frauenheim

Naoya Inoue’s astonishing career continues without any apparent limits.

There are 10 straight knockouts, 22 in title fights. There are four titles in four weight classes, two undisputed. He’s unbeaten, and for now unchallenged. 

Yet, he talks as if his resume is somehow incomplete. He talks about his career as though it’s more of a search for identity than just another fight. 

Inoue, Japan’s Rising Son, wants to know more about himself.

“I don’t know how complete I am as a boxer,’’ Inoue said.

That might surprise Ye Joon Kim, who was destroyed in another thorough beat down delivered by Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) at home in Tokyo Friday with still another deadly display of tactical efficiency and predatory instinct.

The result, a fourth-round knockout of Kim in a junior-featherweight title defense, was also thoroughly predictable. Kim (21-3-2, 13 KOs) was a late stand-in for Sam Goodman, an Australian forced to withdraw because of a nasty cut suffered in training. But we expect a lot from Inoue these days. Anything less than dominance would be disappointment.

Kim didn’t have a chance. Goodman wouldn’t have either. That, of course, has raised a familiar chorus of skepticism. Terence Crawford, an Inoue rival alongside Oleksandr Usyk in the pound-for-pound debate, has heard the same questions. They go all the way back to Joe Louis’ Bum Of The Month during his heavyweight reign. 

Dominance is double edged. Too much of it, and fans begin to doubt because of inevitable questions about the quality of the opposition. 

Inoue might wonder himself. 

Might wonder, too, about how more complete he can be against fighters perceived to be real threats. Fighters like Junto Nakatani, or Murodjon Akhmadaliev, or Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Against them, perhaps, Inoue will be forced to extend himself beyond the limits of what it means to be complete.

That journey in self-discovery begins — appropriately enough — on the road. Inoue confirmed what Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told The Boxing Hour/15 rounds and Boxing Scene in early December while in Phoenix for Emanuel Navarrete’ stoppage of Oscar Valdez in a rematch. Inoue said he will leave the comforts of home and the intense loyalty of Japanese fans for the first time in nearly four years.

“Yes, 2025 will be a big year for me to go overseas to have a fight,’’ Inoue said during a post-fight monologue that was seen on ESPN+ in the early-morning hours in the United States. “In spring of 2025, I’ll be going to Las Vegas to show the great match. I am planning to have fights in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia this year.’’

Arum, who likened Inoue to Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, foresees an Inoue fight in Vegas in April or May. The initial road test is not expected to present Inoue with a steep challenge. The opposition figures to be more like Kim than Bam. 

Both The Boxing Hour/15 Rounds and Boxing Scene reported in early December that there had been some preliminary talks about Alan David Picasso (31-0-1, 17 KOs), a Mexico City junior-featherweight with the perfect last name for Inoue’s masterpiece of a career.

So far, it’s been an artistic run, one summed up Friday with a body assault that — in the end —was punctuated by a head-rocking, left-right combo. At 2:25 of the fourth, Inoue was already planning to hit the road.

“The great country of Japan has given Ohtani to the city of Los Angeles, and at least for one fight, the great country of Japan will give this great Inoue to the city of Las Vegas for one fight this spring,” said the 93-year-old Arum, who was at ringside at Ariake Arena.

For the 31-year-old Inoue, it’s an opportunity to introduce and re-introduce himself to fans whose only opportunity to see him has been in the early-morning hours. Hitting the road is another way of saying he’s going global, all in an attempt to become a complete craftsman and the game’s first real cross-over star since Manny Pacquiao.

Jesus Ramos wants Lubin rematch

Colleague Marc Abrams broke some news this week on his 15 Rounds podcast in an interview with Jose Ramos Jr., who fights former junior-middleweight champion Jeison Rosario Feb. 1 on the card featuring fellow Arizonan David Benavidez against David Morrell at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. 

The fight is Ramos’ second since a controversial scorecard loss to Erickson Lubin in September 2023. Ramos, who stopped Johan Gonzalez last May in his first fight since his lone loss, says he’s seeking a rematch.

“Definitely,’’ said Ramos (22-1, 17 KOs), who lives and trains in Casa Grande, south of Phoenix. “We’ve been trying. Whenever he’s ready.’’

Rosario’s power poses a threat in what’s an interesting fight and perhaps a step toward a rematch. Lubin (18-2, 8 KOs), of Orlando, stopped Rosario (29-4-2, 23 KOs), dropping the Dominican twice in the sixth round nearly four years ago in Atlanta.

Ramos, now 23, says there are lessons in the loss, controversial because of a couple of widely different scores, all favoring Lubin — 117-111, 116-112, 115-113. When announced, there were lots of boos from a crowd at T-Mobile for Canelo Álvarez’ decision over Jermell Charlo.

The defeat, Ramos said, changed his mindset.

“I’m learning more, growing as a person,’’ he said.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Inoue vs. Kim will stream live on Friday, Jan. 24, with a special early morning start time of 4:15 a.m. ET/ 1:15 a.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. The event takes place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed super bantamweight crown against Korean challenger Ye Joon Kim.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) seeks his 10th consecutive knockout while making an unprecedented third defense of his undisputed title.

The 31-year-old unified the bantamweight division in 2022 by stopping Paul Butler, then claimed undisputed status in a second weight class with knockout victories over Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales in 2023. In May, he made history by headlining the first boxing card at Tokyo Dome since 1990, rising from a first-round knockdown to stop former two-weight world champion Luis Nery in the sixth. Inoue followed up the Nery triumph with a seventh-round TKO of former champion TJ Doheny in September.

Kim (21-2-2, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2012 and has spent most of his career fighting in Korea. He is a former IBF Asia super bantamweight champion who has won two straight since a majority decision defeat to veteran Rob Diezel in Auburn, Washington. He is currently ranked No. 11 in the world by the WBO.

Before the main event, the12-round welterweight co-feature showcases world-ranked welterweight contender Jin Sasaki (18-1-1, 17 KOs) against Shoki Sakai (29-14-3, 15 KOs) for the WBO Asia Pacific and OPBF belts.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• “The Fight Life”  chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

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Inoue vs. Kim (All Times ET)

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