Naoya Inoue Defeats Late Replacement Ye Joon Kim with Knockout
In a much-anticipated bout, Naoya Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion, showcased his remarkable power with a fourth-round knockout of South Korea’s Ye Joon Kim at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Friday. This match marked Inoue’s latest title defense, continuing his reign since stepping into the 122-pound division.
Last-Minute Change in Opponent
The matchup was initially meant to feature Australia’s Sam Goodman as Inoue’s mandatory challenger. However, injuries forced Goodman to withdraw from the fight not once, but twice, leading to the last-minute substitution of Kim. Inoue expressed gratitude for Kim’s willingness to step in, acknowledging the unique circumstances of the fight: "My opponent has been injured twice, and my new opponent stood up to me 10 days before the fight. Kim, thank you so much for a competitive fight tonight."
Early Rounds and Tactical Play
The fight began with Inoue, who holds an impressive record of 29 wins, including 26 knockouts, adopting a cautious approach in the opening rounds. He utilized feints and pawing jabs to gauge Kim’s defenses. Kim, boasting a professional record of 21 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, fought as a southpaw and demonstrated solid defensive techniques, even landing effective body shots against the champion. Despite some visible swelling under his left eye, Kim’s performance was commendable in the first half of the fight.
Momentum Shift and Knockout
The turning point came in the fourth round when Inoue increased the pressure on Kim, forcing him into exchanges. After a series of exchanges ensued, Inoue landed a devastating combination that concluded with a straight right hand, sending Kim to the canvas. Referee Mark Nelson counted Kim out at 2:25 of the round as he struggled to rise, solidifying Inoue’s status as a powerhouse in the ring.
After the victory, Inoue remarked on the importance of continuous improvement in his game, saying, "Overall, I think it was a good punch but I didn’t have enough time to study my opponent… Only thing I can do is get better each time in the ring…"
Future Plans and Boxing Landscape
Following his latest triumph, Inoue and co-promoter Bob Arum hinted at a potential return to the United States in spring 2025, likely making an appearance in Las Vegas for the first time since his previous bouts there in 2020 and 2021. Inoue stated, "I am pretty sure 2025 is going to be a big year for me. This will be the year for me to go overseas to get a big fight."
This victory was Inoue’s fourth defense of his 122-pound title since first entering the division, emphasizing his dominance since defeating unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. earlier in the year.
Significance of the Win
Inoue’s latest win reinforces his position as one of the preeminent boxers in the sport today. With a flawless record and continued success against different opponents, he not only strengthens his legacy but also opens pathways for significant matchups that could further elevate his standing on an international level. As boxing continues to evolve with exciting new talent emerging, Inoue’s journey is a testament to his elite skillset and resilience, which are likely to draw greater attention as he prepares for upcoming challenges.
