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This Cinco de Mayo weekend is set to feature a lineup of significant boxing matches, culminating in a highly anticipated bout. On Sunday, May 4, Naoya Inoue, recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers globally, will defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship against Ramon Cardenas in Las Vegas. Here’s a detailed overview of the event’s undercard.
Main Event: Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas
Naoya Inoue will clash with Ramon Cardenas for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight title.
Undercard Fights
Rafael Espinoza faces Edward Vazquez for Espinoza’s WBO featherweight title.
Rohan Polanco takes on Fabian Maidana for Polanco’s WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title.
Emiliano Fernando Vargas competes with Juan Leon for the vacant Jr. NABF Junior Welterweight Title.
Mikito Nakano goes against Pedro Marquez in a featherweight match.
Art Barrera Jr. squares off with Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. in the junior middleweight category.
Raeese Aleem battles Rudy Garcia in another featherweight contest.
Patrick O’Connor meets Marcus Smith in a cruiserweight bout.
Rafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez
Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza, boasting a record of 26-0 with 22 knockouts, continues his impressive run. After a remarkable upset victory against Robeisy Ramirez in December 2023, where he won the WBO featherweight title, Espinoza defended it successfully in June 2024. His most recent bout was a rematch with Ramirez, which ended in controversial fashion, leading to Espinoza retaining his title.
Edward Vazquez, with a record of 17-2 and 4 KOs, has rebounded from a previous loss and is looking to capitalize on this opportunity. Having faced notable opponents in his recent fights, Vazquez aims to make a significant impact against the reigning champion.
Event Details
Date:
Sunday, May 4
Time:
6:15 p.m. ET
Location:
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
How to Watch:
Available on ESPN+
Fighter Insights
Rafael Espinoza on Facing Edward Vazquez
“Competing in Las Vegas has always been a dream of mine. I’m excited to showcase my skills and reaffirm my status as champion on May 4.”
Edward Vazquez’s Perspective
“This fight means everything to me. I’ve worked tirelessly to earn this shot, and I believe I have what it takes to defeat a great champion like Espinoza.”
Bob Arum on the Matchup
“This matchup features a powerful champion and a determined challenger, making it a must-see event for boxing fans.”
Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas
Naoya Inoue, known as “The Monster,” enters the ring with an impressive record of 29-0, including 26 KOs. He has consistently proven himself in title fights since securing his first championship in 2014. Moving through weight classes seamlessly, he became the undisputed champion at bantamweight and has recently captured titles in the junior featherweight division.
Ramon Cardenas, with a professional record of 26-1 and 14 KOs, faces a pivotal challenge in this match. As the No. 9 ranked junior featherweight, Cardenas is riding a 14-fight winning streak, gaining momentum as he aims for his first world title shot in Las Vegas.
As fight night approaches, further updates will be provided on odds, predictions, and more surrounding the Inoue vs. Cardenas event.
Source
www.forbes.com