Naoya Inoue once again demonstrated why he’s one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world – when his opponent Ye Joon Kim practically asked to be KO’d.
The Japanese sensation put on a spectacular display to retain his IBF, WBC and WBO super-bantamweight world titles with a fourth-round knockout. The initial three minutes saw both fighters remain wary, clearly trying to gauge each other. However, Inoue ramped up the intensity in the second round, landing several clean right hands as he began to loosen up.
Round three witnessed the undisputed super-bantamweight champion maintain the momentum with some impressive combinations and body shots. Yet, the fourth round marked the beginning of the end for Ye Joon – who attempted to trade blows with the champion, but paid dearly.
The South Korean became overconfident in his approach and seemed to beckon his adversary to press forward – which he happily obliged. ‘The Monster’ landed several sharp hits before flooring Kim with a left-right combo. The challenger appeared unsteady while on the mat and ultimately failed to beat the count – leading to the referee calling off the match. The win extended Inoue’s flawless record to 29-0, while Kim will be kicking himself after inviting unnecessary pressure before being knocked out.
The challenger was later seen in his corner grimacing and looking highly emotional after coming up short in the most significant fight of his career. After the intense bout, the Japanese sensation expressed his gratitude: “I am so happy to see lots of people in the arena. More than I expected after my opponent has been changed. Sam Goodman was injured twice and my new opponent stood up to me 10 days before the fight. But I feel lots of love from everyone. Thank you so much and I appreciate it.”
He further reflected: “Overall I think it was a bit a good match. I didn’t have enough time to study about my opponent, so I just took some time to see what’s coming from him.” Bob Arum, head honcho at Top Rank and co-promoter of Inoue, shared exciting plans to take ‘The Monster’ stateside by 2025. “I just want to say another great performance by our champion here,” he praised.
“I observe that the great country of Japan has given [LA Dodgers star Shohei] Ohtani to the city of Los Angeles. And at least for one fight the great country of Japan will give this great Inoue to the city of Las Vegas for one fight this spring. So thank you all and I really appreciate it.”
Inoue, readily embracing promoter Arum’s proposal, confirmed: “Yes, 2025 will be here for me to go overseas countries to have a fight. So in spring of 2025 I’ll be going to Las Vegas to show you the great match. This fight was originally taking place December 24th. This is January 24th but I am so happy to see all the people around the world, online watching me on stream, and people coming into the arena. Thank you so much everyone for watching my fight. I am planning to have fights in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia this year. So please give me a big applause and please welcome me everywhere I go.”