Ramon Cardenas has dropped a bombshell that could rock the boxing world to its core, accusing undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue of bribing referees to secure his victory in their May 4 clash at T-Mobile Arena. In an explosive interview with ESPN on May 7, Cardenas, still reeling from his eighth-round TKO loss, declared, “HE DOESN’T DESERVE IT!” and claimed to have shocking evidence that could tarnish Inoue’s legacy forever.
Cardenas’ Explosive Allegations
Cardenas (26-2, 14 KOs) didn’t hold back as he detailed his accusations against Inoue (30-0, 27 KOs). “Everyone saw what happened in the second round—I dropped him, and he was done,” Cardenas said, his voice shaking with anger. “But the referee gave him extra time to recover, and now I know why—Inoue’s team paid him off! HE DOESN’T DESERVE IT! I have proof, and I’m not staying silent.” Cardenas claims to have obtained audio recordings of a conversation between a member of Inoue’s camp and an official, allegedly discussing a payment to ensure the fight tilted in Inoue’s favor after the knockdown.
The fight itself was a thriller, with Cardenas stunning Inoue with a left hook in the second round, marking only the second knockdown of Inoue’s career. Despite the referee’s pause, which Cardenas had previously criticized as unfair, Inoue rallied, flooring Cardenas in the seventh and stopping him in the eighth with a barrage of punches. CompuBox stats showed Inoue landing 176 of 462 punches, but Cardenas insists the referee’s actions after the knockdown—allowing Inoue nearly a minute to recover—changed the fight’s trajectory.
The Evidence and Fallout
Cardenas’ team has reportedly turned over the audio evidence to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, though the contents have not been made public. A source close to the investigation told BoxingScene that the recording allegedly captures a discussion of a $50,000 payment to “ensure Naoya gets through any trouble.” Inoue’s camp has vehemently denied the allegations, with his co-promoter Bob Arum calling them “baseless and desperate.” “Naoya won that fight fair and square—Cardenas is just bitter,” Arum said on May 7.
The boxing community is in an uproar. Fans on social media are split, with some believing Cardenas, as one X post stated, “If this is true, Inoue’s legacy is done—cheating to win is disgusting!” Others defend Inoue, with another user writing, “Cardenas is salty he lost—Inoue doesn’t need to bribe anyone to win.” The controversy has cast a shadow over Inoue’s recent demand for an immediate rematch, which he announced earlier this week, citing the need to “prove his dominance” after the scare.
What’s Next for Inoue and Cardenas?
The allegations could have far-reaching consequences. If the Nevada Commission finds merit in Cardenas’ claims, Inoue could face a suspension, a fine, or even a stripping of his titles, though no official action has been taken yet. Cardenas, meanwhile, is pushing for the rematch to be overseen by a neutral officiating body, stating, “I want justice—I’ll fight him again, but it has to be fair.” As the boxing world awaits the Commission’s findings, one thing is clear: Cardenas’ shocking accusations have put Inoue’s reputation on the line, and the fallout could change the sport forever.
