Inoue Arrives for U.S. Takeover: Cardenas Unshaken Ahead of Undisputed Showdown, Vargas Back on Wild Vegas Card

Naoya Inoue is back on American soil — and he’s not just passing through. On Sunday, May 4, the pound-for-pound king puts his undisputed junior featherweight titles on the line against San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. UK.

This is Inoue’s first U.S. fight in four years — and he touched down like he owns the place.

Inoue arrives — and wastes no time

Inoue (29-0, 26 KOs) stepped off the plane and straight into the gym. He faced off with Cardenas, then hit pads and the bag, unleashing the same thunderous shots that ended his last ten fights inside the distance.

The media turnout was massive. Inoue didn’t seem bothered.

“It took me four years to come back to America, but I’d like to return sooner than later,” he said.
“Cardenas is a beautiful fighter. He’s an all-around good fighter, but for me, it’s easy.”

He also dropped a nod to the Mexican legends that inspired him: “My father watched Barrera, Morales, and Marquez… those are the ones I’m fond of.”

Cardenas isn’t here to lie down

Ramon Cardenas (26-1, 14 KOs) isn’t buying the hype. The Texas southpaw may be the underdog, but he’s smart, durable, and isn’t flying to Vegas for a paycheck. He’s earned this shot off a long win streak — and he’s got nothing to lose. That’s dangerous.

Vargas fights under the lights — again

Also working out in L.A. was Emiliano Fernando Vargas (13-0, 11 KOs), who continues to draw eyes with every appearance. The son of Fernando Vargas, he’s got fast hands, killer instinct, and he’ll face Spain’s Juan Leon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

It’s a step up — but Vargas hasn’t blinked yet.

Espinoza vs. Vazquez — featherweight fireworks

The co-main has serious potential to steal the show. WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza defends against Edward Vazquez in a Mexico vs. Texas scrap that promises action. Espinoza is long, awkward, and hits hard. Vazquez is scrappy and never backs up.

Why you should watch

• Inoue’s U.S. return — first time since 2020

• Pound-for-pound No. 1 defends all four belts

• Cardenas has nothing to lose — and that’s dangerous

• Espinoza vs. Vazquez could get wild

• Emiliano Vargas keeps climbing

Confirmed fights

Main Card (ESPN / ESPN Deportes / ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

• Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, 12 rounds, junior featherweight, undisputed world title

• Rafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez, 12 rounds, featherweight, WBO world title

Undercard (ESPN+ only)

• Emiliano Vargas vs. Juan Leon, 8 rounds, lightweight

• Additional fights TBA

Event info

• Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

• Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

• Time: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET / 3:00 AM UK

• Stream: LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+

• Tickets: Available now via AXS.com