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)

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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. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Inoue vs. Kim (All Times ET)

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Naoya Inoue is ready for his fight against Ye Joon Kim on Frid to defend  his World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight belt, in addition to the WBO, WBC and IBF belts. 

The Japanese will face the Korean at the Ariake Arena, in Koto Ku, in a new exhibition in front of his people after having had several date changes. He was originally scheduled to face Sam Goodman on Christmas Day but an injury to the Australian forced the bout to be rescheduled. 

Both ready to fight this January 24, however, Goodman was again affected by the injury, so the solution was to request a new opponent for the champion. 

In this case it will be the South Korean Joon Kim, who will have the most important fight of his career and the opportunity to show everyone his talent. A native of Seoul, he is 32 years old and has won three of his last four fights with knockouts to the three opponents he has defeated. 

The challenger knows he has little to lose and much to gain, so he will try to make a good impression and surprise the champion in this fight. 

Inoue has 28 wins, no losses and 25 knockouts, while Joon Kim comes into the fight with 21 wins, 2 setbacks, 2 draws and 13 knockouts. 

TOKYO (Jan. 13, 2025) — The Monster Show must go on.

Naoya Inoue will now defend his undisputed super bantamweight crown against Korean challenger Ye Joon Kim on Friday, Jan. 24, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Inoue was scheduled to face undefeated Australian contender Sam Goodman, who withdrew from the bout twice due to cuts sustained in sparring. Kim, who is 2-0 on Japanese soil, stepped in on short notice to face the pound-for-pound stalwart.

Inoue-Kim and the welterweight co-feature between Jin Sasaki and Shoki Sakai will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 4:15 a.m. ET/1:15 a.m. PT.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) began his four-belt legacy in December 2022 when he stopped Paul Butler to unify all the bantamweight titles. Then, within a little over a year, the 31-year-old knocked out WBC/WBO champ Stephen Fulton in July 2023 and WBA/IBF king Marlon Tapales that December to achieve undisputed glory in a second weight class. He made history again last May by headlining the first boxing card at the Tokyo Dome since the historic Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas showdown, overcoming a first-round knockdown before icing former two-division world champion Luis Nery in six. In September, he registered a seventh-round TKO over one-time junior featherweight king TJ Doheny.

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. Kim picked up the WBO Oriental super bantamweight crown last May in Bangkok, Thailand, knocking out Rakesh Lohchab in the fifth round. He is currently ranked No. 11 in the world by the WBO.

(Dec. 16, 2024) – “The Monster” is ready for a banner 2025.

Naoya Inoue will defend his undisputed super bantamweight crown against unbeaten Australian contender Sam Goodman on Friday, Jan. 24, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The two were initially scheduled to fight on Dec. 24, but Goodman suffered a cut above his left eye in sparring shortly before he was scheduled to depart for Tokyo.

Inoue-Goodman will headline a loaded bill streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. This special early-morning broadcast will also feature the return of Yoshiki Takei (10-0, 8 KOs), who will defend his WBO bantamweight world title against Thailand’s Yuttapong Tongdee (15-0, 9 KOs).

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) began his four-belt legacy in December 2022 when he stopped Paul Butler to unify all the bantamweight titles. Then, within a little over a year, the 31-year-old knocked out WBC/WBO champ Stephen Fulton in July 2023 and WBA/IBF king Marlon Tapales that December to achieve undisputed glory in a second weight class. He made history again in May by headlining the first boxing card at the Tokyo Dome since the historic Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas showdown, overcoming a first-round knockdown before icing former two-division world champion Luis Nery in six. In September, he registered a seventh-round TKO over one-time junior featherweight king TJ Doheny.

Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) is a 26-year-old Australian who entered the paid ranks in 2018. He went 4-0 in 2023, earning points victories over Doheny as well as then-unbeaten talents Ra’eese Aleem and Zhong Liu. He authored a fourth-round TKO against Mark Schleibs in March before decisioning previously unbeaten Thachtana Luangphon across 12 in July.   

By Norm Frauenheim

PHOENIX — Plans for Naoya Inoue’s return to the United States next spring already include a possible opponent.

Mexican David Picasso, an artistic name and perhaps an opportunity for Inoue to enhance his masterpiece of a career, is being mentioned as a possibility for the Japanese pound-for-pound contender in a possible April fight in Las Vegas.

“It’s on the table,’’ Rene Aviles, of Zanfer Promotions, said Friday while in Phoenix for the Oscar Valdez-Emanuel Navarrete rematch Saturday at Footprint Center. “Nothing is set, but that’s the plan.’’

Picasso (30-0-1, 16 KOs), a Zanfer-promoted junior-featherweight from Mexico City, has appeared on two major cards in the U.S., first in January of last year in a victory over Erik Ruiz at Footprint and again in a victory in May over Damien Vazquez at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs), a four-division champion who hasn’t fought in the United States since a victory in June 2021 in Vegas, is already scheduled to test his pound-for-pound supremacy against Australian junior-featherweight Sam Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) on Dec. 24 in Tokyo.

“On Christmas Eve, I’ll be there,’’ said Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who will celebrate his 93rd birthday Sunday. “If successful, then we’ll announce his next fight, hopefully in Las Vegas.’’

TOKYO (Oct. 23, 2024) – Boxing’s most prolific undisputed king is ready to close out the year on a ‘Monster’ note.

Naoya Inoue will defend his super bantamweight crown against unbeaten Australian contender Sam Goodman on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Inoue will make an unprecedented third defense of his undisputed crown within a single calendar year while looking to secure his 10th consecutive knockout.

Inoue-Goodman will headline a special early-morning broadcast streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. In the co-feature, Yoshiki Takei (10-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBO bantamweight world title against an opponent to be named.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) began his four-belt legacy in December 2022 when he stopped Paul Butler to unify all the bantamweight titles. Then, within a little over a year, the 31-year-old knocked out WBC/WBO champ Stephen Fulton in July 2023 and WBA/IBF king Marlon Tapales that December to achieve undisputed glory in a second weight class. He made history again in May by headlining the first boxing card at the Tokyo Dome since the historic Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas showdown, overcoming a first-round knockdown before icing former two-division world champion Luis Nery in six. In September, he registered a seventh-round TKO over one-time junior featherweight king TJ Doheny.

Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) is a 26-year-old Australian who entered the paid ranks in 2018. He went 4-0 in 2023, earning points victories over Doheny as well as then-unbeaten talents Ra’eese Aleem and Zhong Liu. He authored a fourth-round TKO against Mark Schleibs in March before decisioning previously unbeaten Thachtana Luangphon across 12 in July. 

(Sept. 25, 2024) — ESPN today announced its new ESPN Original Series, The Fight Life, will premiere on ESPN+ on October 7, with subsequent linear airings across ESPN2. 

The series 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 — alongside unprecedented and exclusive behind-the-scenes access with Top Rank’s executives. As the boxers prepare for some of the biggest fights of their careers, episodes document the traveling circus that is the business of the sport, offering a living, breathing, punching, 360-degree portrait of “the fight life.”

“The Fight Life showcases all the traits that make boxing so compelling: rich personal stories of sacrifice and determination, pressure-packed stakes, and of course – conflict,” said Lindsay Rovegno, Vice President of Production for ESPN Originals. “Whether you’re a diehard boxing fan or someone who just loves great characters and high-quality storytelling, this exciting new series features the unique perspectives of exceptional fighters that we’re excited to share with viewers.”

The Fight Life is produced by ESPN in association with Words + Pictures and Top Rank.
Episode descriptions and streaming/linear schedule (tentative and subject to change) are outlined below.

Episode Descriptions
EPISODE 1 | Tyson Fury: A Heavyweight Task
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 7 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 9 at 6pm ET
Tyson Fury gears up for a showdown against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk to crown boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years. After a near-defeat to MMA star Francis Ngannou, “The Gypsy King” must prove he still sits atop the heavyweight throne. Go behind the scenes with the executives and matchmakers of Top Rank as they shape the business of boxing.
 
EPISODE 2 | Teofimo Lopez: The Giant Slayer
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 8 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 10:30pm ET
Teofimo Lopez prepares for a career-defining clash against reigning WBO junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor. Following several subpar outings, including losing his lightweight crown to George Kambosos Jr., the Top Rank brass question if the mercurial Lopez still has what it takes. Once considered the future of boxing, Lopez has one last shot to prove he’s still one of the sport’s most sublime talents.
 
EPISODE 3 | Josh Taylor: The Crossroads
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 9 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 11pm ET
After losing his WBO belt to Teofimo Lopez, Josh Taylor must face the question: how many more chances will he have to fight at the top of the sport? Age and injury have begun to plague the former undisputed champion, but his path to recapturing his junior welterweight title starts with a rematch against past rival Jack Catterall. It’s a fight that Top Rank executives make clear will dictate Taylor’s future in the sport.
 
EPISODE 4 | Seniesa Estrada: Love & Hate
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 10 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 11:30pm ET
Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada has dreamed of becoming the undisputed champion of the world, and she finally has her shot against fellow unified champion Yokasta Valle. Estrada is a trailblazer in women’s boxing, but to become the first-ever undisputed minimumweight world champion, she must overcome injury and the mental pressure of settling a personal score against her former promoter, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
 
EPISODE 5 | Naoya Inoue: The Perfect Fighter
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 11 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 22 at 12:30am ET
Many experts consider Naoya “Monster” Inoue to be the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer, and to Top Rank executives who’ve been in the business for decades, one of the best fighters they’ve ever seen. But for many Western fans, the undefeated Japanese star is the greatest fighter you’ve never heard of. The undisputed junior featherweight champion can make a global statement when he faces Japanese boxing’s most reviled figure, Luis Nery, in front of a sold-out crowd of 50,000-plus at the world-renowned Tokyo Dome.

# # #

About ESPN+
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By Norm Frauenheim –

Naoya Inoue, tireless and talented, emerges from a victory that was mostly predictable, yet still notable for what it means to a brilliant career moving into another chapter.

An even bigger stage.

Forget the fight, which ended with TJ Doheny limping across the canvas in the seventh round like an old man in need of a walker after Inoue’s  succession of lethal body blows apparently damaged a sciatic nerve in the Irishman’s lower back Tuesday in Tokyo.

Inoue looked as if he was disappointed at a performance that didn’t meet expectations he has created for himself. Sure enough, disappointment was the word used to describe the fight in several reports. He wanted more. Inoue always wants more. He’s still a work in progress, said the fighter with a  spectacular skillset complemented by an over achiever’s energy and work ethic.

Progress is the promise in what was the real news to come from Inoue’s one-sided victory in another junior-featherweight title defense. Post-fight, Inoue promoter Bob Arum offered a business plan, including a Christmas Eve fight in Tokyo, a return to the United States in Vegas in perhaps April and a return to Japan for a biggie against Junto Nakatani, who for now looks to be Inoue’s biggest threat.

The planned return to the US is the biggest news. Maybe the most surprising, too. Inoue hasn’t fought in the US since June, 2021, a stoppage of Michael Dasmarinas. It was the second of only two US appearances, the first a seventh-round stoppage of Jason Moloney, also in Vegas at the MGM Grand in Oct, 2020. Since, then he has stayed in Japan, going 7-0. 

The word was that Japan’s rising son would stay at home. The money, especially for a fighter in a lighter weight class, was bigger than he could get in the US. There was no reason to travel. Over the last three-plus years, however, his celebrity has gone international. It’s not Shohei Ohtani big. It’s not even Manny Pacquiao big. But it’s growing with evidence that there’s potential for more. 

The Inoue expected to fight in Vegas in April will be a lot better-known to US fans than the one who fought there years ago. This time, it’s a step to make Inoue a worldwide celebrity and a fighter in a small weight class with a skillset dynamic enough to keep him at the top of the pound-for-pound debate for a while.

Call it an initial move toward a genuine legacy, rare in Japanese boxing. Plans, of course, are as vulnerable as boxing’s proverbial glass chin. They get broken all the time. But Top Rank’s Bob is the right promoter for the job. He was a key to turning Tyson Fury into an international celebrity when he brought him to Vegas, where he fought, lived and sang for a couple of years. Arum has also had more success with small fighters than perhaps anybody in the business. He turned junior-flyweight Michael Carbajal into a star in the 1990s.

In Inoue, however, there’s just much more potential. He’s a former 108-pound champion who has gone on to four titles at four weights, including two undisputed — putting him alongside Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk in the history of boxing’s four-belt era. It looks as if his stardom is about to spread, from Asia to America.

The first step in Arum’s plan appears to be a mandatory defense against unbeaten Australian Sam Goodman. Then, there’s Vegas, perhaps against Murodjon Akhmadaliev, an Uzbekistan fighter who many believe looms as a tougher test than Goodman. However, Akhmadaliev lost to Marlon Tapales, whom Inoue stopped in a 10th-round knockout last December. Tapales, a Filipino southpaw, is coming back Saturday in Cambodia against Saurabh Kumar.

At this stage of the plan, all options lead to Nakatani in a fight that has the potential to be the biggest in Japanese history. The 26-year-old Nakatani, an unbeaten bantamweight champion, is younger than the 31-year-old Inoue. He’s also bigger. He’s three-inches taller. All of the talk is about Inoue-Nakatani. But Inoue is talking about his own brother, Takuma, a once-beaten bantamweight champion.

In post-fight interviews Tuesday, Inoue told Japanese media that Nakatani has to fight his brother first. Nakatani might get that chance on either Christmas Eve or in Vegas in April. Nakatani in a co-main event with Inoue on either card or both makes sense. Dollars, too

Can Inoue beat Nakatani? Hard to say. But the guess here: Yes. He beat Nonito Donaire. If he can beat Donaire, he beats Nakatani.

If he does, a dream fight awaits. Even now, there’s talk about Jesse Rodriguez versus Inoue, Bam versus Monster. Rodriguez was asked about it last June after he scored two knockdowns and got up for one in a dramatic stoppage of an accomplished Juan Francisco Estrada in Phoenix.

Rodriguez , the World Boxing Council’s 115-pound champion, is expected to fight Estrada again in a contracted rematch. If — as expected — he beats Estrada again, he hopes to unify the title against Fernando Martinez, an unbeaten Argentine, who has two of the belts after a decision over Kazuto Ioka in Tokyo on July 7.

Then Inoue? Only if everything works out in a a plan that a could create a stage as big as any.

By Norm Frauenheim –

In a political season, Naoya Inoue’s campaign for supremacy in the pound-for-pound race is gaining momentum for a reason that separates him from everybody else.

He’s busy.

Inoue, tireless inside the ring and outside of it, continues an old-school schedule not seen in decades against TJ Doheny in Tokyo Tuesday. 

It’s his third fight since December, his fourth over the last 13 months. Doheny isn’t expected to be much of a challenge. Other than perhaps fellow Japanese fighter Junto Nakatani, who is these days? 

The biggest surprise is that you can actually bet on this fight. Five days before opening bell at Ariake Arena (ESPN+, 5:45 a.m. ET), Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) is favored, minus-5000. 

In other words, Doheny has a better chance at stopping climate change. Still, the odds aren’t impossible, either. There are no prohibitive favorites, at least not in boxing. 

According to the oddsmakers, Doheny has about as much of a chance as Buster Douglas had against Mike Tyson, a 42-1 favorite in 1990, also in Tokyo. Douglas won that one, scoring an upset as stunning as any in history. Anything is possible, especially in boxing, where cheap shots are the only sure thing. 

But don’t expect climate to quit changing. History isn’t going to repeat itself. Instead, Japan’s rising son is poised to make some more history of his own in a junior-featherweight fight that promises to further his argument that there’s nobody better. 

The 37-year-old Doheny (26-4, 20 KOs) an Australian-based fighter and former 122-pound belt-holder, is well known to Japanese fans. His last three fights have been in Tokyo. He’ll be there again Tuesday, this time in a role that figures to showcase Inoue’s dynamic skillset.

The best bet here: Inoue emerges from Tuesday’s fight as the consensus No.1 in the pound-for-pound debate. 

A comprehensive stoppage of a durable Doheny, who has never been knocked out, would provide further evidence on a resume uninterrupted by the idle stretches that leave questions about his rivals. These days, world-class fighters fight once or twice between birthdays

Inactivity is hard to judge.

Busy is not.

It’s the busy — an accumulation of timely evidence — that gives Inoue a decisive edge in a three-way race that has included Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk. 

It’s been close, almost impossible to call, mostly because all three are the only two division undisputed champs in the game’s four-belt history — Inoue (bantamweight and junior-feather), Crawford (junior-welter and welterweight) and Usyk (cruiser and heavyweight).

On this pound-for-pound list, Crawford has been No. 1 for a couple of years. But, now, there is uncertainty, questions about his last performance in a narrow win at a new weight, 154-pounds, in a decision over Israil Madrimov, a competent belt-holder, yet known more for his amateur accomplishments than his pro career. 

There are also questions about what’s next for Crawford, who returned to the ring against Madrimov after more than a year away from the ring in the aftermath of his defining welterweight triumph over Errol Spence.

Quotes from him and his new representative, Saudi Prince Turki Alalshikh, indicate he’s thinking only Canelo or retirement. He’s been interested in a fight against 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez.

For now, however, there’s been no reported interest from him about a fight at 154 pounds against Vergil Ortiz Jr., or a rematch against a deserving Madrimov.

Crawford won’t know what’s next until after Canelo’s probable victory over Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas on Sept. 14. Canelo hasn’t said he’ll fight Crawford. He hasn’t said he will. Maybe, Crawford gets a definitive answer. Maybe, not.  

If Canelo says no, there’s a chance Crawford retires. He’ll be 37 on Sept. 28, an age that would make a bid for a third undisputed title at a third weight problematic against the young lions at junior-middle.

Then, there’s Usyk, the Ukrainian, whose tactical know how and unwavering discipline has kept him unbeaten. But will that stubborn spirit and intelligent skillset continue to? 

He faces an intriguing rematch on Dec. 21 in Riyadh of his split decision over Tyson Fury on May 18, his first fight after only one fight in 2023 — a ninth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois in Poland in August of that year. 

It goes without saying that Usyk’s victory over Fury was controversial. By definition, split decisions always are. There were moments when it looked as if Fury would/could win. Maybe with a little bit more discipline and less clowning, he will. By now, it’s safe to say Usyk will keep it close.

For now, however, that’s just another question at a time when Inoue is busy.

Busy delivering all the answers.  

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, Inoue vs. Doheny, will be presented live this Tuesday, September 3, at a special early start time of 5:45 a.m. ET/ 2:45 a.m. PT, exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. The event takes place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Naoya “The Monster” Inoue will make defense number two of his undisputed super bantamweight crown against former world champion TJ Doheny.

Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs), a four-division world champion and pound-for-pound standout, has made Ariake Arena his boxing home in recent years. It’s where he knocked out Paul Butler to win the undisputed bantamweight title in December 2022, defeated Stephen Fulton for two super bantamweight titles in July 2023, and dominated Marlon Tapales for the undisputed crown last December. Doheny (26-4, 20 KOs) is 4-0 when fighting on Japanese soil, including a knockout win over Bryl Bayogos on the Inoue-Luis Nery undercard at Tokyo Dome in May.

In the co-feature, WBO bantamweight world champion Yoshiki Takei (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his first title defense against former WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa (21-2-1, 19 KOs).

Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Bernardo Osuna will call the action.

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Inoue vs. Doheny (All Times ET)

(Aug. 20, 2024) — Naoya “The Monster” Inoue will make defense number two of his undisputed super bantamweight crown against former world champion TJ Doheny on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

This special five-fight extravaganza will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2:30 a.m. ET.

In the co-feature, WBO bantamweight world champion Yoshiki Takei (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his first title defense against former WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa (21-2-1, 19 KOs).

Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs), the four-division world champion and pound-for-pound mainstay, has made Ariake Arena his boxing home in recent years. It’s the venue where he knocked out Paul Butler to win the undisputed bantamweight world title in December 2022, stopped then-unified super bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton title in July 2023, and dominated Marlon Tapales over 10 rounds last December to become the undisputed super bantamweight king. Doheny (26-4, 20 KOs) is 4-0 when fighting on Japanese soil, including May’s knockout of Bryl Bayogos on the Inoue-Luis Nery undercard at Tokyo Dome.

In other scheduled fight action on ESPN+:

Ismael Barroso (25-4-2, 23 KOs) vs. Andy Hiraoka (23-0, 18 KOs), 12 Rounds, Junior Welterweight: Barroso, the 41-year-old Venezuelan puncher, returns following January’s first-round knockout of Ohara Davies. Japanese phenom Hiraoka makes his 2024 debut following last December’s fifth-round TKO over Sebastian Diaz Maldonado on the Inoue-Tapales undercard.

Jin Sasaki (17-1-1, 16 KOs) vs. Qamil Balla (15-1-1, 8 KOs), 12 Rounds, Welterweight: Action star Sasaki, ranked No. 2 by the WBO, has knocked out his last five opponents. Australia’s Balla has won four straight since a decision defeat to countryman George Kambosos Jr.

Toshiki Shimomachi (18-1-3, 12 KOs) vs. Ryuya Tsugawa (13-1, 9 KOs), 10 Rounds, Japanese Super Bantamweight Title: Shimomachi, unbeaten in his last 19 fights, makes the third defense of his Japanese title. Knockout artist Tsugawa is riding a nine-fight winning streak, including eight by stoppage.

TOKYO (July 16, 2024) — Pound-for-pound icon Naoya “The Monster” Inoue will defend his undisputed super bantamweight world championship against Irish-born former world champion TJ Doheny on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Inoue, a two-weight undisputed king, has knocked out eight consecutive foes.
 
Inoue-Doheny headlines a star-studded card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. This special early morning broadcast will also include WBO bantamweight world champion Yoshiki Takei (9-0, 8 KOs) defending his belt against former flyweight world champion Daigo Higa (21-2-1, 19 KOs).

Venezuelan puncher Ismael Barroso (25-4-2, 23 KOs) will defend his interim junior welterweight world title versus rising Japanese contender Andy Hiraoka (23-0, 18 KOs) in undercard action.

“Naoya Inoue is a generational talent, and every time he fights, the boxing world stops to watch the master at work,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “TJ Doheny is a veteran who can never be counted out, as he’s defied the odds many times when fighting in Japan.”
 
Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) claimed his first world title more than 10 years ago and is 22-0 with 20 knockouts in world championship fights. Inoue’s undisputed legacy began in December 2022 when he knocked out Paul Butler to unify all the bantamweight titles. He then consolidated the super bantamweight division in short order, capturing the WBC and WBO world titles by stopping Stephen Fulton in eight in July 2023 before vanquishing WBA/IBF champion Marlon Tapales that December. The 31-year-old powerhouse, named 2023 Fighter of the Year by ESPN and Ring Magazine, returned to headline at the historic Tokyo Dome in May. In the first boxing card there since Buster Douglas shocked Mike Tyson in 1990, Inoue survived a first-round knockdown to KO Mexican two-division champ Luis Nery in six.
  
Doheny (26-4, 20 KOs) has a rich history in Japan and against Japanese fighters. He is 3-0 against Japanese fighters and 4-0 on Japanese soil, with three victories as the betting underdog. Doheny dethroned IBF junior featherweight world champion Ryosuke Iwasa on enemy territory in August 2018. He defended the belt against Japanese challenger Ryohei Takahashi via 11th-round TKO the following January before losing the strap to Danny Roman in a close unification fight that April. Despite some setbacks, Doheny has rebounded with three consecutive wins on Japanese turf. He defeated Kazuki Nakajima via fourth-round TKO in June 2023, blasted out Japhethlee Llamido by first-round stoppage last October, and triumphed over Bryl Bayogos in four rounds on the Inoue-Nery undercard.

Naoya Inoue and Amanda Serrano, universally recognized among the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters, have confirmed that they will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at Park 583, at 583 Park Avenue, in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Inoue will receive the prestigious Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized historic honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey in 1938. Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.

Tickets can only be purchased prior to the event and not at the door.    

The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available with premium seating and additional special gift.

Tables are quickly filling up and the BWAA awards dinner journal deadline is approaching. Attached are a seat reservation form, journal reservation form, a list of all honorees and a general information page.

Please go to the website at bwaa.org for further information. Feel free to contact Gina Andriolo directly with any questions.

Naoya Inoue, universally recognized as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, has confirmed that he will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at the 583 Park Avenue venue, at 583 Park Ave, in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Inoue will receive the prestigious Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized historic honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey in 1938. Amanda Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.

The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available with premium seating and additional special gift.

Tables are quickly filling up and the BWAA awards dinner journal deadline is approaching. Attached are a seat reservation form, journal reservation form, a list of all honorees and a general information page.

Please go to the website at bwaa.org for further information. Feel free to contact Gina Andriolo directly with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 6th!

Naoya Inoue, universally recognized as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, has confirmed that he will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at the 583 Park Avenue venue, at 583 Park Ave, in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Inoue will receive the prestigious Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized historic honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey in 1938. Amanda Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.

The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available with premium seating and additional special gift.

Tables are quickly filling up and the BWAA awards dinner journal deadline is approaching. Attached are a seat reservation form, journal reservation form, a list of all honorees and a general information page.

Please go to the website at bwaa.org for further information. Feel free to contact Gina Andriolo directly with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 6th!