Inoue Dominates Kim, Eyes American Debut in Next Fight

Japanese boxing champion Naoya Inoue, nicknamed "The Monster," successfully defended his super bantamweight titles for the third time, defeating South Korean challenger Ye Joon Kim in the fourth round of their fight in Tokyo on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Inoue, who remains undefeated with a record of 29-0 and 26 knockouts, will now head to the United States for his next fight, according to his promoter Bob Arum. Arum confirmed that Inoue's next bout will take place in Las Vegas, marking his first fight outside of Japan since his victory over Michael Dasmarinas in June 2021.

Arum expressed his desire for Americans to embrace Inoue with the same enthusiasm they have for Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball superstar who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. "I observed that the great country of Japan has given Ohtani to Los Angeles," Arum said. "And at least for one fight, the great country of Japan will give the great Inoue to the city of Las Vegas this spring."

Inoue's opponent, Kim, was a late replacement for Australian boxer Sam Goodman, who withdrew due to a recurring eye injury. Kim, in a bold move, invited Inoue to attack him early in the fourth round. Inoue responded with a devastating right hand that sent Kim to the canvas, ending the fight.

"I feel a lot of love from everyone. I appreciate it," Inoue said after the fight. "Overall, I think it was a good match. I didn't have enough time to study my opponent, so I just took time to see what was coming from him.