LAS VEGAS – Naoya Inoue’s former opponent Nonito Donaire is so confident of him defeating Ramon Cardenas on Sunday that he is already anticipating Inoue’s move up to 126lbs.

The 32-year-old Inoue is to defend his undisputed junior-featherweight title against the Mexican-American Cardenas at the T-Mobile Arena on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo weekend.

He confirmed on Friday that he will next fight Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September, and his co-promoter Bob Arum also expects him to fight in December in Saudi Arabia, and hopes that he will fight his fellow Japanese Junto Nakatani in 2026 before moving up in weight.

If Inoue-Nakatani increasingly represents the most appealing fight that can be made, however, Donaire – who perhaps gave Inoue his toughest test when losing via decision in 2019 before being stopped in their rematch in 2022 – wants to see Inoue challenged to his full potential.

Donaire is certain to one day be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on account of a both decorated and entertaining career in which before Inoue he also fought Guillermo Rigondeaux, Carl Frampton, Nicholas Walters, Toshiaki Nishioka and others, but he considers Inoue to be the finest of all of his opponents, and for all of his respect for Cardenas can’t see a way that the 29 year old can win.

“He’s setting things up and there’s nothing wrong with [being open about his plans to fight Akhmadaliev], because he’s the kind of guy that will take care of business,” Donaire told BoxingScene. “I doubt he’s looking past this guy. He’s a killer, and he’s created enough habit to speak on whatever he wants to speak about on tomorrow’s fight. But I know when he’s inside that ring he’s going to go in there for the kill.

“Inoue’s been very, very powerful, and he doesn’t seem complacent in where he’s at. We asked how he could keep motivated and he said, ‘Every day I want to keep rising’. That shows he’s not complacent, and he’s going to go out there like he’s always done. That’s what I see him do. 

“Cardenas has been to the point where this is all he’s got; this is the biggest opportunity in his life and he’s going to give it all he’s got, and I think it’s gonna be a hell of a fight. He has the heart to win – the will to win – and do his best and give everything he’s got for Inoue. But of course we’ve seen a lot of what Inoue can do, and we expect Inoue to win this fight.

“He has impeccable timing. He’s quick; he’s fast. One thing that really surprised me is how durable he is as well. Everything about Inoue’s overall fighting ability is on a different level.”

It has been suggested that at 122lbs Inoue, who won his first title at 108lbs, has demonstrated signs of vulnerability – 12 months earlier he was dropped by Mexico’s Luis Nery – and perhaps even subtle signs of decline, but Donaire dismissed the prospect of both.

“Any punch that you don’t see will take you down,” he said. “It’s going to be more punishing in a higher division.

“He just goes for the kill. He doesn’t set anything up – he just goes for it. The moment you start moving forward he’s like a freight train. He just goes forward [and that represents a risk]. 

“Cardenas is definitely a fighter that is also dangerous. But when it comes down to Inoue, if Inoue is focused, then it’s going to be the same scenario that he’s seen.

“Him pressing; not giving Inoue a single moment of space; keeping his hands up; being barraged; not giving him any time, any space [is Cardenas’ key to victory]. You give that space he’ll tear you apart.

“[Inoue’s] power’s there. That’s why I want to see how he carries that power. When I came up to that division at 126 my power diminished tremendously. I want to see how he copes with the bigger guys.

“I would say he is [the best I fought]. It’s very difficult to compare with the guys that I fought – they weren’t able to showcase because I was able to take them out, like [in 2011, Fernando] Montiel. Montiel was a tremendous fighter before he fought me, because we got to a point where I was able to take him out early that he wasn’t able to showcase how good he is. That’s the same thing with Inoue. He’s taking everybody out, but when we fought he did give me a really, really fun fight.

“I’m looking forward to Inoue moving up in weight as well and taking over everybody else. I want to see that. Bring his brother [Takuma] in – we can dance.”