Inoue, now 30-0 with 27 KOs, faced a tough challenge from the previously undefeated Cardenas. The 29-year-old American, ranked #1 by the WBA, came out swinging in his first title shot.
The fight started with Cardenas landing fast, accurate jabs. He even busted Inoue's nose in the second round. Then, something unexpected happened. Cardenas caught Inoue with a left counter, sending the champ to the canvas. It was only the second time in Inoue's pro career that he'd been knocked down.
"Despite receiving so many blows, it did not hurt me, it was rather because of the number of repetitions than because it really affected me and hurt me," Cardenas said after the fight.
Inoue shook off the knockdown and started to take control in the fourth round, landing solid combinations. Cardenas fired back with a good right counter in the fifth, but that was his last real threat.
The champion turned up the heat in the sixth, hurting Cardenas midway through the round. The seventh saw Cardenas take heavy punishment and suffer a knockdown in the final 30 seconds.
Referee Tom Taylor had seen enough 45 seconds into the eighth round. He stopped the fight as Inoue unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches.
Cardenas showed incredible toughness throughout the bout. His firm chin, tenacious heart, and exceptional pace won him many new fans. Surprisingly, he looked undamaged in face and body after the fight.
For Inoue, the victory wasn't without its lessons. The knockdown showed he still needs to work on his vulnerability to left counter punches.
The Monster's next challenge is already lined up. He's set to face Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September, looking to continue his dominance in the 122-pound division.