The undercard for the highly anticipated Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas fight delivered a night of electrifying action, featuring dominant victories and stunning knockouts. Relive the excitement with a detailed breakdown of each bout.
The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas wasn't just buzzing for the main event; the undercard for the Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas fight delivered a spectacle of its own. From dominant performances to explosive knockouts, the preliminary bouts provided a thrilling prelude to the championship clash. Let's delve into the night's action:
**Rohan Polanco's Masterclass:** Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco showcased his exceptional skills, completely dominating Fabian Maidana in a 10-round welterweight contest. Polanco's superior speed, precision, and power were evident throughout, culminating in a decisive knockdown in the final round. The judges' scores reflected the one-sided affair, all awarding Polanco a 100-89 victory. Polanco's relentless pressure and superior punch output (231 to Maidana's 82) left no doubt about his dominance. This win further solidifies Polanco's position as a rising star in the welterweight division.
**Emiliano Vargas' Explosive Return:** Junior welterweight prospect Emiliano Vargas made a statement in his second fight in just five weeks. He dispatched Juan Leon with a brutal two-round knockout. A devastating three-punch combination sent Leon to the canvas in the second round, and a follow-up right hand and left uppercut combo sealed the victory, forcing the referee to stop the fight at the 1:40 mark. Vargas' power and explosiveness are quickly making him a name to watch in the junior welterweight division.
**Mikito Nakano's US Debut:** Japanese featherweight Mikito Nakano made a sensational US debut, showcasing his devastating knockout power. He dropped Pedro Marquez an incredible five times in four rounds before the referee mercifully stepped in. Nakano's straight left hand and left uppercut proved particularly effective, and he even added body shots to his arsenal to secure the victory at 1:58 of the fourth round. This dominant performance proved Nakano's readiness for the higher levels of the featherweight division.
**Art Barrera Jr.'s Stoppage Streak Continues:** Teenage prospect Art Barrera Jr. continued his impressive run of stoppages, extending his knockout streak to three fights. He overwhelmed Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. in a junior middleweight bout, ending the fight in the sixth round at the 1:15 mark with a relentless assault. Barrera's heavy punches and aggressive style left the referee with no choice but to stop the contest, demonstrating the young fighter's growing power and skill.
**Aleem's Unanimous Decision Victory:** The card opened with a 10-round featherweight clash between Ra'eese Aleem and Rudy Garcia. Aleem, a late replacement, secured a comfortable unanimous decision victory with scores of 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93. This win marked Aleem's second consecutive victory after his sole career loss to Sam Goodman. The fight showcased Aleem's resilience and consistency in the ring.
In conclusion, the Inoue-Cardenas undercard was a resounding success, providing fans with an unforgettable night of boxing action. The performances of Polanco, Vargas, and Nakano were particularly noteworthy, highlighting the rising talent within the sport. These fighters are ones to watch as they continue their ascent to the top of their respective weight classes.