Undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue proved once again why he’s considered one of the best boxers in the world today. The Japanese superstar, known as “The Monster”, scored a sensational fourth round knockout victory over late replacement opponent Ye-Joon Kim on Friday in Tokyo to retain his WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO 122-pound titles.
Inoue, unbeaten at 29-0 with 26 KOs, was originally slated to face Australian contender Sam Goodman. But after Goodman withdrew due to injury, the unheralded Kim from South Korea stepped up on just two weeks’ notice to challenge for Inoue’s unified crown. While Kim showed immense bravery, he was ultimately no match for Inoue’s pinpoint precision and crushing power.
Inoue’s Trademark Precision and Power on Display
From the opening bell, Inoue calmly stalked Kim around the ring, getting a read on his southpaw stance and defensive guard. The champion patiently picked his spots, peppering Kim with sharp jabs and quick combinations. Kim tried his best to keep Inoue at bay with his own punches, but Inoue slipped them with ease, his head movement and footwork as sublime as ever.
By round two, Inoue began to let his hands go more freely. A short right hook caught Kim in the corner. Inoue followed up with a rapid fire flurry that had Kim in trouble. To his credit, Kim withstood the assault and even fired back defiantly. But Inoue’s superior skills and technique were evident.
The punishment continued in round three as Inoue’s precise punches left Kim’s right eye badly swollen. Still, the game challenger kept coming forward, hoping to land a lucky shot. That only served to ignite Inoue’s warrior spirit. In round four, Kim boldly motioned for Inoue to bring it on. Inoue obliged, unleashing a ferocious combination that sent Kim crumpling to the canvas. The referee immediately waved it off, giving Inoue his 19th consecutive knockout victory.
“I’m pretty sure 2025 is going to be the big year for me,” Inoue said. “I just want to say another great performance by our champion here.”
– Bob Arum, Top Rank promoter
Inoue Targets Las Vegas Debut, Bigger Challenges Ahead
After dismantling another opponent, Inoue has his sights set on showcasing his talents on the world’s biggest stage. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum confirmed that the 31-year-old phenom will make his long-awaited Las Vegas debut in the spring, with Mexican contender Alan Picasso being mentioned as a potential foe.
While Inoue’s star has shined brightest in his native Japan to this point, U.S. fans are eagerly anticipating his stateside arrival. Boxing insiders have long praised Inoue as a once-in-a-generation type fighter. His unique blend of speed, timing, defensive brilliance and one-punch stopping power has evoked comparisons to legends like Sugar Ray Leonard and Manny Pacquiao.
Another intriguing option lurking for Inoue is a showdown with fellow Japanese standout Junto Nakatani. The lanky southpaw is the reigning WBC bantamweight champion and has been honing his craft in the U.S. A meeting between the two would be a mega-event in Japan.
“I just want to say another great performance by our champion here,” Arum said. “And I observed that the great country of Japan has given [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.”
– Bob Arum on Inoue’s Las Vegas plans
Inoue’s Quest for Greatness
With titles in four weight classes from light flyweight to junior featherweight, Inoue has already accomplished more than most fighters could dream of. But like any true great, “The Monster” continues to push himself to reach even loftier heights.
- Longtime trainer Shingo Inoue, Naoya’s younger brother, believes the best is yet to come
- “The Monster” sits at #3 on most reputable pound-for-pound lists, with a chance to climb higher
- Inoue’s popularity in Japan is at an all-time high, transcending the sport
As he prepares to embark on a world tour in 2025, all eyes will be on Naoya Inoue to see how high he can soar. Against stiffer competition and on brighter stages, “The Monster” has an opportunity to engrave his name among boxing’s all-time greats. But as he’s shown time and again, whenever a challenge presents itself, Inoue answers the call emphatically.
