In boxing, unlike other sports, even before a fighter enters the ring or tosses his first punch, his walkout music does the job of setting the stage for the explosion that’s about to come. And, that is what will happen today at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, when Naoya Inoue, the Japanese pound-for-pound king, and undisputed light featherweight champ walks in to dominate Ramon Cardenas.
Apart from the knockout artist and Dinamita clashing, 14 other boxers are a part of the Cinco de Mayo weekend showdown, including a title bout between Edward Vazquez and Rafael Espinoza for the latter’s WBO featherweight status. While you wait for the boxers to showcase their acerbity in the ring, here are the tracks that will sway the atmosphere as each of them enters the spotlight.
Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas walkout songs
Let’s be honest, there is a reason why The Monster is at -10,000 in the betting odds for today’s event as compared to his 29-year-old opponent’s +1700. Die-hard boxing fans who have followed the sport for some time know that the only word you can utter for Naoya Inoue is “perfect.” That’s because the two-division undisputed champ is an absolute beast. He’s speedy, with elite-level footwork, precision, and the 32-year-old hits like a truck for a guy his size. He is feared, and he is admired.
For a champion of his status, the song he walks out to is just as strong, because that is what brings him into the mood of throwing that smashing performance every time. When he makes an appearance to face the 25-1 boxer, he would likely follow the same pattern he has for his recent bouts. The Zama native has repeatedly used Battle Without Honor or Humanity by Japanese musician and songwriter Tomoyasu Hotei to make an appearance, like in the June 2022 bout against Nonito Donaire.
Hotei had himself perform this intense and energetic rock track, shifting the ambiance for a crowd of 20,000 people at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. That was quite a change from his staple, Departure by Naoki Sato, which he used to use before. In Inoue’s 2017 bout against Yoan Boyeaux, he had made a memorable entrance to the live drum performance of this song by Akira Jimbo.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio native has previously used the Mexican Mas Altas Que Bajadas by Nataneal Cano. And, since in the U.S., the Mexican festival of Cinco de Mayo is celebrated so enthusiastically, it might be that Cardenas continues with the tune. But what about the other boxers on the undercard of this event?
What is the walkout song of Emiliano Vargas and others?
The youngest boxer in this event, Emiliano Vargas, 21, is also going to fight Juan Leon, the Spanish 11-2 boxer, in the super lightweight division. Previously, he has used the vibrant Mexican corrido Fuerza Regida by El Muchacho Alegre. Chances are, he could use the same for this event as well.
Another Mexican boxer, Rafael Espinoza, is also fighting Edward Kid Vazquez in the featherweight division. The 12-round bout is for the latter’s WBO featherweight championship. But there are no walkout songs known for Espinoza to have made an entry on. It is likely that he would go with a Mexican tune to take pride in his nationality. The same goes for the Fort Worth native.
He may choose something that resonates with his beliefs and likes or something that motivates him to perform at his peak. One thing is for sure: no matter what songs each of them chooses, the showdown is going to be a promising one. With Inoue heading the main event, fans are surely going to get an exciting show. Are you excited for his match?
The post Boxing Walkout Songs: Which Music Will Naoya Inoue, Ramon Cardenas, Emiliano Vargas, and Others Walk Out To? appeared first on EssentiallySports.