In a surprise revelation that has rocked the boxing world, undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather has broken his silence on the controversial bout between Naoya “The Monster” Inoue and Ramón Cardenas, calling into question the legitimacy of the fight and sparking intense debate among fans and experts alike.
Mayweather, speaking during a media appearance in Las Vegas, didn’t hold back his opinion on the June showdown that saw Inoue defend his unified super bantamweight titles against American underdog Ramón Cardenas. Despite a valiant effort by Cardenas, the fight was stopped in the 10th round, with the referee citing “accumulated punishment” as the reason. However, fans across social media voiced outrage, claiming the stoppage was premature and biased in favor of the Japanese star.
Now, Mayweather has added fuel to the fire, stating:
“Let’s call it what it is. That fight should’ve gone the distance. Ramón was in it every round. I’ve seen guys take way more punishment and keep fighting. When you fight a superstar in his home territory, you’re not just fighting him—you’re fighting the system.”
The comment sent shockwaves through the boxing community, especially given Mayweather’s usually diplomatic approach to modern matchups. His criticism raises a serious question: Was the Inoue-Cardenas fight rigged, or at least influenced by promotional interests?
Mayweather went on to highlight Cardenas’s toughness and skill in surviving Inoue’s devastating combinations.
“Ramón’s footwork, his counters, his ring IQ—they were all there. He wasn’t just surviving, he was competing. I’ve got nothing but respect for Inoue, he’s a beast, but that ref made a call that changed the outcome,” Mayweather continued.
Many fans have echoed Mayweather’s sentiment, pointing out that Cardenas, while clearly behind on points, never appeared hurt to the point of needing a stoppage. He was still firing back, still dodging shots, and still capable of defending himself.
Inoue, for his part, has stayed largely quiet on the issue, only thanking his fans and team after the fight and praising Cardenas for being “a warrior.” His camp has not responded directly to Mayweather’s claims, but insiders suggest they are “unhappy” with the attention the controversy is getting.
The referee, meanwhile, has defended his decision, citing Cardenas’s “slowed reflexes and visible exhaustion” as indicators of potential danger. But critics argue that such factors are common late in championship fights and that stoppages should only occur when a fighter is clearly unable to defend himself.
Boxing analyst Max Kellerman weighed in on ESPN, noting:
“If Mayweather’s speaking out, you know there’s weight to it. Floyd doesn’t talk unless it matters. He’s pointing out a systemic issue—how A-side fighters in their home markets get the benefit of the doubt.”
What makes this controversy even more complex is the business side of boxing. Inoue is a massive draw in Japan and across Asia. A loss—or even a draw—could impact future negotiations, TV deals, and sponsorships. Mayweather’s comments bring to light what many insiders have whispered for years: that boxing’s outcomes are sometimes influenced not just by punches thrown, but by money moved behind the scenes.
As the dust settles, fans are calling for a rematch on neutral ground. Whether that happens remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Floyd Mayweather’s explosive comments have reopened a debate that boxing has never truly escaped—fairness in officiating and the power of promoters.
Will Mayweather’s words lead to change, or will they be dismissed as the opinion of a retired legend? Only time will tell, but the impact has already been felt.
Boxing just got a lot more interesting.
