Boxing’s pound-for-pound monster has arrived on U.S. soil.
Just after touching down in America, Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) performed a media workout in Los Angeles, just one week away from his undisputed junior featherweight title defence 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.
Inoue and Cardenas faced off, then went through their paces in the ring and on the heavy bags.
The Japanese superstar displayed flashes of the monstrous power that’s led him to KO his last 10 foes in a row.
This is some of what Inoue had to say to media in attendance:
“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.”
Ramon Cardenas and junior welterweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs) also participated in the workout.
Fernando is the son of former world champion and will see action on the bill in an eight-rounder against Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs).
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 10pm ET/7pm PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotion, Teiken Promotions, and Sampson Boxing, tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.
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