Naoya Inoue Vs. Ramon Cardenas

[TIC]

hopefully naoya steps back up after this fight. this will be the third soft touch in a row for him

[TitoFan]

Given Naoya's incredible run prior to those last two fights, it's natural to say that. Anyone else... they'd be decent opponents. But for Naoya, they're soft touches. Not criticizing that. Just saying it's a matter of perspective. Naoya has raised the bar so much on opponents, that those last two are in fact a bit of a drop in quality. I'm also hoping he steps it up after this fight. He's too good not to.

[TIC]

is nonito the only sure fire hall of famer on naoya's record?

[TitoFan]

Sure fire? Maybe. Then again sure fire is kind of subjective isn't it? Fact of the matter is he's got a string of elite opponents who weren't picked by some computer with all the chips stacked in his favor. They show up on his radar... he beats them. No drama, no shenanigans, no marination, no catchweights, no nothing. Hard core fans like and appreciate that sort of thing. So sure fire HOFers? Maybe. But he's beaten more than his share of elite fighters and fighters who have been world champions. That's why to me, right now he's #1 p4p. My only criticism is he should fight outside of Japan more.

[Spicoli]

Rafael Espinoza with an absolute demolition job on a very tough Edward Vazquez. The effortless power he gets on repeated uppercuts is insane. Just huge leverage to both body and upstairs. Breaks him down and closes the show in the 7th round for his 3rd defense and roads pointing to a unification with Ball. Maybe Leo or Fulton. Nice match ups at 126. Feels great to have an energized and involved live crowd in attendance too . Yes, it is a very very real factor for the fighters.

[Spicoli]

Cardenas looking very confident coming it. Hope he brought a helmet. Inoue filling out with legs like Manny, wow. Sunday night primetime fights I have no problem with them. Going to seriously miss ESPN when they sign off. Have Jimmy Lennon on intro too

[Spicoli]

hopefully naoya steps back up after this fight. this will be the third soft touch in a row for him

By most accounts Murodjon Akhmadaliev is well on track. We'll be fine.

[Spicoli]

Cardenas keeping a tight wall of glove around his head and Inoue stabs thru with jabs. Inoue rocks back looking for a right at bell and partially lands. Cardenas trying to whip left counters but a step behind.

[Spicoli]

Nice effort with 3,4 left hooks by Cardenas early 2nd. He's opening up and Inoue sizing up.

[Spicoli]

Right of Cardenas alive in 2nd and got thru twice...ohhhh whip left hook drops Inoue! Same one he was looking for in 1st! Clean as you can get. Inoue up and round over. What a shot

[Spicoli]

That was some short 6 inch power. Caught him flush and went down like he was soaking wet. Great shot, Into 3rd and ref calls headbutt break. Literally more excitement in 6 minutes than entire weekend so far . Inoue has his hands full but early

[Spicoli]

Big exchange late 3rd, Inoue takes another flush left and Inoue fires in two right hands! I like Cardenas 3rd but getting very heated.