Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas: Picks, Predictions and Odds

Naoya Inoue will look to continue his dominance of the super bantamweight division when he returns to the USA to face Ramon Cardenas.

Inoue is considered to be one of the finest boxers on the planet, having been named No.1 in the world in the pound-for-pound rankings by The Ring in 2022.

The 32-year-old is still undefeated as a professional and is set for another busy year after his clash with Cardenas.

While many boxers are advised to focus on the task at hand, Inoue is already set to face Murodjon Akhmadaliev later this year, while a move up to featherweight to take on England's Nick Ball has also been suggested.

Inoue and Uzbekistani Akhmadaliev are set to clash on September 14, although he must first beat Cardenas to keep hold of his undisputed championship.

Japanese star Inoue was last in action in January, beating Ye Joon Kim by knockout, while Cardenas beat Bryan Acosta on points the following month.

Inoue's reputation as a knockout artist has been well documented in the pre-fight odds, with the fan favourite -5000 to win, while Cardenas is available at +1800.

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas betting picks and predictions

Round Group Betting - Rounds 1-6 - Naoya Inoue (-110)

Despite his slender frame, Japan's Inoue has an incredible knockout record since turning professional.

He has won all of his 29 fights, with 26 knockout victories to his name during that time.

Fans will want to see him tested this weekend, especially after his fight against Kim was so poor. Inoue was due to fight Sam Goodman at the start of the year, only for his opponent to withdraw before he then beat Kim inside four rounds.

Cardenas should provide more of a challenge, but it is hard to see him recording a win. The American has won 26 of his 27 fights so far, winning 14 times by knockout.

His only defeat came on points, but he will do well to avoid any punishment throughout the fight.

In the build-up to this fight, Cardenas has said he will need to perform to a high level for 35 minutes, but Inoue is too fast and powerful.

The Monster has suggested he will fight for another three years, and has vowed to make a similar impact to Manny Pacquiao on world boxing.

Pacquiao was known for his blistering speed and knockout power as he climbed through the weight divisions and Inoue wants to make a similar statement as he prepares to fight in Las Vegas for the first time since 2021.

Inoue will not want to start slowly and allow Cardenas to build a platform in the fight, and to replicate Pacquiao, he will need to come out fast and hurt his opponent, which he has shown throughout his career that he can do with ease.

Total Knockdowns Over/Under - Total Over 1.5 (-165)

Cardenas's record is impressive, but he has not shared the ring with someone has classy and powerful as Inoue.

Inoue has cruised to victory in most of his fights, with his last test coming against Nonito Donaire in 2019, when he won on points. He got the better of Donaire in a more convincing fashion in 2022 and he should be able to tee off on Cardenas.

Cardenas will look to keep Inoue at bay and use his jab, but once he feels Inoue's power, he will be in trouble.

The 29-year-old's resume suggests he has a good chin and can take a punch, but he has never faced someone with Inoue's power. Cardenas has taken a huge risk to share the ring with Inoue, and he could easily find himself on the canvas on more than one occasion.

Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas odds

	Naoya Inoue	Ramon Cardenas
Money Line	-5000	+1800
By KO, TKO, DQ	-900	+2800
By Decision or Technical Decision	+550	+5000

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.