Japanese fighter Naoya Inoue had problems for his next fight, to expose his super bantamweight world title, because his challenger Sam Goodman withdrew again. His new challenger is Korean Ye Joon Kim, apparently an unknown, for someone of the caliber of one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. However, the closeness of the date left him no choice, as it is scheduled for January 24 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
However, the Korean has a certain reputation in his homeland, where he is known as: ‘Pacquiweather‘ and some reports in the local press indicate that he may have some qualities that put him on a par with two of the greatest fighters of today.
As for his nickname, ‘Pacquiweather‘, he says: “I have a different style; a bit like Pacquiao with some versatility, ambidextrous punching, aggressive counter-punching. I can do shoulder punches. I think I have diverse skills”.
“But nowadays I’m known as ‘The Troublemaker’, because I like to complicate my opponents’ plans, causing them problems,” he adds
Pros and cons in Ye Joon Kim’s career
It is actually a mystery as to how much he could become a real challenge for the Japanese ‘Monster’, as there is no major opponent in his history and what there is a defeat in a test fight, against an unknown who has a record of 14-9, called Rob Diezel, in April 2023 in Auburn, Washington, in a majority decision over eight rounds.
Kim’s record is currently 21-2-2, with 13 knockouts
About his demotivating defeat, Diezel Kim assures that he was the victim of judging: “It wasn’t a great performance, but I think I clearly won the fight. I had a shoulder injury that was sorted out after the fight. I’ve come back much stronger since then,” so he promises to make a fight of it against Inouye
His most recent fights were two clear victories, against mid-level opponents, but both by stoppage and his last four fights have been outside his native country, in Mexico, the United States, Australia and Thailand: “I enjoy fighting in different places. It’s a wonderful experience. Getting to know different cultures, new people and seeing different places has contributed to my greater appreciation of boxing around the world.”
He has also won in Japan twice, in 2013 and 2014, so he is no stranger to his next fight: “I love boxing there. I really appreciate the way the fans treat you in Japan”.
With these arguments, the 32-year-old fighter believes that with the international experience he has already developed, combined with his recent technique to hit with power and a long career in the super bantamweight, gives him a chance against the Japanese, who is the current undisputed champion at 122 pounds, but a man who began his career at 108 pounds.
“My natural size advantage can play a role. I can be the stronger fighter. I can beat Inoue by pushing him back, using my skills to impact him with different punching angles. Inoue is used to opponents giving ground and trying to survive. I think the key to beating him is smart aggression.”
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