Japan’s Inoue returns to the U.S. for just the fourth time overall and the first time since 2021. Since then, he has elevated to global superstar status in the sport, selling out Tokyo Dome, defeating stout challengers Luis Nery and Stephen Fulton and striking a sponsorship/fight deal with Saudi Arabia while agreeing to fight former unified 122lbs champion Murodjon “M.J.” Akhmadaliev September 14 in Tokyo. First, he has to defeat 15/1 underdog Cardenas, 29, who realizes the talent of his opponent, but has trained heartily in the California desert under respected trainer Joel Diaz.
First round
Referee Thomas Taylor instructsa the fighters, and here we go! Cardenasa throws a jab. Inoue lands a left. Inoue pushes Cardenas back with jabs. Throws a right, Cardenas covering. Cheers of “Mexico!” Cardenas misses a wild left. Inoue jab has fierce intentions, and he proves it by belting Cardenas with a stiff right to the nose.
Inoue, 10-9