LAS VEGAS – Naoya Inoue identified the threat posed by Ramon Cardenas’ left hand at the grand arrivals in Las Vegas for their fight on Sunday evening.

The 32 year old is to defend his undisputed super-bantamweight title against the Mexican at the T-Mobile Arena, on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Sunday’s contest represents his first in the US since June 2021 – when he stopped in three rounds the Filipino Michael Dasmarinas – and his first since he became more widely recognized as one of the very finest fighters in the world.

By almost all estimations Inoue, from Japan, is in competition with Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk to be considered the world’s finest active fighter. He has also come to be recognized as at his intimidating peak.

Convincing victories since then against Nonito Donaire, Stephen Fulton Jnr, Marlon Tapales and Luis Nery have further enhanced his reputation, contributing to his US promoters Top Rank – on the same weekend when Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is fighting William Scull in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – seeking to make him the focal point of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US.

In Cardenas, 29, he has been matched with a Mexican-American opponent. He has also been matched with one who has proven that he can punch with both hands.

It was a left hand with which Luis Nery, another Mexican, dropped Inoue in Tokyo in May 2024. Inoue has perhaps appeared slightly vulnerable at 122lbs – he won his first world title when 14lbs lighter and a light flyweight – and he spoke at the MGM Grand like a fighter wary that Cardenas is likely to make the very same play.

“[He’s] a very well-rounded fighter,” Inoue said. “With that being said, he has a very good left. I don’t have time to be cautious.

“It’s been four years since I’ve been here [fighting in the US], so I’m very excited.

“I am very much aware of what the fans expect of me. And on Cinco De Mayo weekend, I plan on meeting those expectations.”

Cardenas, similarly, was dropped by a left hand in his past fight when he recovered to defeat via unanimous decision Bryan Acosta over 10 rounds.

Inoue’s standing is such that Cardenas can enhance his reputation in defeat if he is sufficiently competitive – his previous defeat came via majority decision against Danny Flores in 2017 – but he said: “I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I have no pressure on me, so I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great show.”

“I’m not here for the money. I’m here for the legacy. If I become a world champion, nobody can take that away from me.

“I’m excited to be here. I’m blessed to be a part of this weekend because we know it’s a historic week in boxing. And to be here, seeing my name on these billboards, is a blessing.

“It means a lot to represent Mexico during this weekend because we’ve had legends and warriors fight on this weekend. I’m going to give my all.

“This is a dream come true for me. I have to finish completing this dream. I’ve lost an uncle on this journey. I’ve lost a trainer on this journey. So, to be able to accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion is my goal.”