Four-weight world champion Naoya Inoue defends his undisputed super-bantamweight championship against late-notice replacement Ye Joon Kim.
Colossal underdog Kim gets the opportunity of a lifetime as he doesn’t just compete for one, but three world titles. Inoue currently rides a nine-fight knockout streak and will be looking to break the super-bantamweight undisputed defense record this year before considering a new division.
Latest updates – Full card results for Inoue vs. Kim
Official result: Naoya Inoue knocks out Ye Joon Kim in the fourth round
Inoue has made another successful defense of his undisputed super-bantamweight status. Kim gave a good fight, knocking Inoue’s head back and causing him to lose position several times, but it wasn’t enough as Inoue found his range in the fourth round to produce a devastating result.
‘The Monster’ looked vulnerable for moments in the fight, but it was clear that he was levels above Kim.
“Kim, thank you so much for fighting tonight,” Inoue was modest in his post-fight interview.
“I didn’t have much time to study my opponent, so I took some time to see what’s coming from him,” Inoue followed up, justifying his figuring-out process in the early rounds.
The Japanese crowd applauded Kim as he left the arena.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum jumped on the mic to announce that Inoue will be fighting in Los Angeles this Spring.
Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim round-by-round
Round 1
It’s an open-stance matchup as Inoue assumes orthodox versus Kim’s southpaw. Plenty of pawing with the lead hand and probing with a stiff jab from Inoue. Inoue pumps the jab and lands a right cross to Kim’s body. Kim ushers the referee out of the way as he puts Inoue on the back foot.
It’s all Inoue in round one as the bell sounds.
Round 2
Tentative action from both men in the second frame. Inoue begins to land hard with his right cross, destabilizing Kim several times. Kim defended well for the rest of the round, landing a left cross that surprised Inoue.
Round 3
Kim gets to work. He lands several punch combinations that jiggle Inoue’s head. Kim gains confidence, but Inoue is calculating.
Round 4
Inoue and Kim begin to dogfight. Inoue lands hard on the body, and Kim hollers at him. Moments later, Inoue lands a crushing right hand that almost sends Kim through the ropes. He can’t stand up to continue, and Inoue wins by fourth-round knockout.