The boxing world is abuzz with outrage and disbelief following Ramón Cárdenas’ stunning first words after his controversial eighth-round TKO loss to Naoya Inoue on May 4 at T-Mobile Arena. In a post-fight interview that has sparked heated debates, the Texas underdog declared, “HE HAS NO POWER!”—a claim that has ignited a firestorm given Inoue’s devastating performance that ended Cárdenas’ 14-fight win streak and retained the undisputed super bantamweight titles.

A Fight Marred by Controversy

What began as a David-versus-Goliath thriller turned sour for Cárdenas when Inoue, after surviving a second-round knockdown, unleashed a relentless barrage to secure the stoppage at 0:45 of the eighth. The 8,474 fans in attendance were on their feet as Cárdenas rocked Inoue early, but the Japanese champion’s methodical comeback—highlighted by a seventh-round knockdown—left many questioning referee Robert Byrd’s decision to halt the fight. Posts found on X suggest fans felt Cárdenas was still in it, with some calling the stoppage premature, fueling the controversy surrounding the outcome.

Cárdenas, who entered as a +1500 underdog, had promised to shock the world, and his early success seemed to validate that bravado. Yet, Inoue’s precision and volume—landing 176 of 462 punches per CompuBox—overwhelmed the San Antonio native, who managed only 80 of 290. The dramatic shift from underdog triumph to sudden defeat has left the boxing community divided, with Cárdenas’ post-fight remarks adding fuel to the fire.

Cárdenas’ Shocking Claim

In a raw, emotional interview with ESPN moments after the stoppage, Cárdenas, his face bruised but defiant, dropped his bombshell. “HE HAS NO POWER!” he exclaimed, shaking his head. “I took his best shots—those combinations, they don’t hurt like people think. He just overwhelms you with speed and numbers. I was still fighting back, and they took it from me!” The statement contradicts Inoue’s reputation as a 90% knockout artist, with 27 of his 30 wins by stoppage, and has left analysts stunned. Cárdenas further argued that the referee intervened too soon, insisting he was ready to continue despite the final knockdown.

The claim echoes sentiments from posts found on X, where some fans noted Cárdenas’ resilience, suggesting Inoue’s power might be overhyped compared to his technical dominance. Cárdenas’ trainer, Joel Diaz, backed his fighter, telling Boxing Scene, “Ramon felt Inoue’s punches and stood tall—that stoppage was a robbery. He deserved those extra rounds.” The remarks have sparked a wave of support for Cárdenas, with many hailing his gutsy performance despite the loss.

Inoue’s Response and the Fallout

Inoue, maintaining his composure, dismissed the criticism post-fight. “I felt his power too, but I adjusted,” he said through a translator. “The fans saw a fight—I’m happy with that.” Yet, the controversy has cast a shadow over his victory, with some questioning whether his reputation as “The Monster” is overstated if Cárdenas could downplay his punching force. Inoue’s next defense against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September now carries added intrigue, as critics demand a stiffer test to validate his pound-for-pound status.

The boxing world is split, with posts found on X showing fans debating Cárdenas’ words—some calling him brave for speaking out, others labeling it sour grapes. Prominent voices like Timothy Bradley Jr. noted on DAZN, “Cárdenas took Inoue’s best and still talked trash—that’s heart, but it doesn’t change the result.” Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn suggested a rematch could settle the dispute, though Inoue’s camp has yet to comment on the possibility.

What’s Next?

Cárdenas’ bold statement and the controversial stoppage have turned a routine title defense into a talking point that could reshape the 122-pound division. With newfound fame from his valiant effort, Cárdenas may push for a rematch, while Inoue looks to silence doubters in his upcoming fights. Whether Cárdenas’ “no power” claim holds weight or fades as hyperbole, one thing is clear: this fight’s aftermath will linger, challenging perceptions of Inoue’s dominance and Cárdenas’ potential in a sport that thrives on such drama.