SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT king Naoya Inoue has named Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez as three of his all-time favourite Mexican fighters.
The list of decorated champions stems from his father and head coach, Shingo Inoue, who has idolised all three warriors from when his son was little more than a pup.
Now a fully-fledged predator himself, ‘The Monster’ seemingly still takes inspiration from the trio of greats as he gears up for a showdown with Ramon Cardenas.
The pair will square off at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on May 4, with Inoue, 29-0 (26 KOs), returning to Sin City for the first since 2021.
Back then, the prolific knockout artist made quick work of Michael Dasmarinas, producing a ruthless performance that followed his seventh-round stoppage victory over Jason Moloney.
For the most part, though, the 32-year-old has dispatched his victims in Japan where, sure enough, he has firmly established himself as a mainstream attraction.
But now, Inoue looks to elevate his stateside support with what promises to be another emphatic finish over Cardenas, 26-1 (14 KOs), a sturdy yet unremarkable contender.
After naming his three greatest Mexican legends at yesterday’s media conference, however, Inoue gave Cardenas his plaudits while, at the same time, insisting that he will do the business come fight night.
“My father watched Barrera, Morales, and Marquez, so those are some of the Mexican fighters I’m fond of,” the Japanese star told media members upon his arrival.
“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.”
Should he get past Cardenas, as most expect, Inoue’s next outing is highly likely to be against WBA interim champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
The Uzbek, to his credit, has waited patiently in the wings ahead of what now looks to be a clash with the two-division undisputed champion this September.
Live on DAZN, April 26 Eubank Jr vs. Benn. Over 30 years of rivalry and hatred all comes down to this! A bloodline born to settle the score, hatred in their blood. Eubank Jr vs. Benn, live on DAZN April 26.
