Kim stepped in for Sam Goodman, who sustained an injury in the lead-up to the fight and was unable to compete. And the South Korean certainly looked to impose himself on the champion as he attempted an improbable victory against the undefeated Japanese champion.
Reports from ringside said that Kim stepped through the ropes weighing a full 12 pounds heavier than Inoue after their respective post-weigh-in rehydrations. But, despite carrying a size and weight advantage, Kim had no answer to Inoue’s power as “The Monster” added another knockout to his ever-growing highlight reel.
After a tense, but relatively calm opening round, Inoue started to find his range in Round 2 as he connected with several powerful right hands. For his part, Kim countered well and scored with one big shot towards the end of the round.
That pattern continued into Round 3, with Kim trying to land big shots, only to be answered immediately by Inoue, who was noticeably faster than his opponent, but carried every bit as much power. The results of that power were there for all to see at the end of the round, as Kim returned to his corner with a swelling under his right eye.
Kim’s willingness to stand and trade with Inoue made for an entertaining clash for the fight fans inside Ariake Arena, and the South Korean continually called on the Japanese star to keep throwing as he looked to counter the champion. But that tactic backfired spectacularly when, after Kim waved in the champion once too many, Inoue unleashed a big right hand to knock out Kim in spectacular fashion.
It gave Inoue the 26th knockout victory in his 29-0 career, and further cemented his status as one of the very best boxers on the planet.
KIM ASKED FOR MORE AND INOUE MADE HIM PAY 😱
Be careful what you wish for. pic.twitter.com/lsdJPTGEY4
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) January 24, 2025
“My new opponent (took the bout) 10 days before the fight. I feel a lot of love from everyone. I appreciate it,” said Inoue after his victory.
“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.”
Top Rank boss Bob Arum said that the plan is now to bring Inoue to the United States, with a bout in the works for Las Vegas later this year.
“I just want to say another great performance by our champion here,” said Arum.
“I observe that the great country of Japan has given (LA Dodgers superstar 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. So thank you all, and I really appreciate it.”
Inoue said he was looking forward to bringing his skills to the United States, and said he hoped he’d get a good reception from the fight fans in Las Vegas.
“Yes, 2025 will be here for me to go to overseas countries to have a fight. So in spring of 2025 I’ll be going to Las Vegas to show you a great match,” he said.
“This fight was originally taking place December 24. This is January 24, but I am so happy to see all the people around the world online watching me on stream, and people coming into the arena. Thank you so much everyone for watching my fight.
“I am planning to have fights in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia this year. So please give me a big applause and please welcome me everywhere I go.”
