Ye Joon Kim took on perhaps the toughest assignment in world boxing just two weeks ago when he agreed to fight Naoya Inoue live this Friday. Sky Sports.
“The Monster” Inoue is one of the best boxers in the world at any weight, he has indeed been the undisputed champion in two weight divisions and holds the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles.
He was due to be challenged by Australian challenger Sam Goodman, who was forced to postpone the fight a month ago when he suffered a sparring cut, then had to pull out altogether when the break reopened in training.
Kim was preparing for Friday’s fight at the Ariake Arena as a possible replacement, but going in with Inoue is a step up from anything he’s ever boxed at.
Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who represents Inoue, went so far as to compare the Japanese superstar’s talents to Manny Pacquiao, whom Arum also promoted.
“Boxers are unique. Manny Pacquiao was great for boxing. His career is even more legendary because, unlike Manny, he went through one division after another without losing.” – said Arum.
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Manny Pacquiao showed off his incredible speed ahead of his exhibition fight with Japanese MMA fighter Rukia Anpo.
“You can’t really compare either of them because they’re both great fighters, but they’re also different. Manny was reckless in a lot of fights, and that’s why he got knocked out in the last fight he had. Manuel ) Marquez Because he went on the attack and didn’t look for a counter strike.
“But he was a great entertainer and he entertained the fans and he was loved not only in the Philippines but all over the United States.
“Now Inoue is a much more disciplined fighter. He doesn’t take stupid chances. Sometimes you do, but usually he doesn’t take stupid chances.
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Highlights of Naoya Inoue vs TJ Dohen’s Undisputed Super Bantamweight Championship Fight in September
“I think when it comes to skill, from a technical boxing standpoint, Inoue has more than Manny Pacquiao. That’s not to disparage Pacquiao, but just to say that in Inoue, we have not only a brutal knockout puncher, but a lot. a very well trained technical fighter.”
Inoue will also have to adjust to a new opponent, but warned that he feels great for this next undisputed title fight, live Sky Sports+ from 7.30am on Friday.
“When I changed my schedule, I felt like taking this long to prepare my body was a lot of money,” Inoue said.
“I think it would be best to make such adjustments before the big matches in the future. So I think the two delays and the one month delay were helpful.”
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As Naoya Inoue is set to fight once more on Sky Sports, check out his devastating win over Marlon Tapales in December 2023.
He added about Kim. “In terms of style, I get the impression that he is a switch hitter.
“I just want to trust everything I’ve learned from my 25-year boxing career and give it my all on match day.”
Kim, who grew up in an orphanage and has amassed a professional boxing record of 21-2-2 (13), hopes to complete an extraordinary journey against Inoue.
“I’m in a good position,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’ve been preparing for a month already, so there’s no problem.”
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Naoya Inoue has devastating power in both hands, and once she hits you, there’s no going back.
Can Inoue win?
Top Rank President Todd DuBoeuf said Sky Sports“We had a big upset with Jaime Munguia. Who would have thought that?
“I think it was a great display of surprise to get caught. Inoue is a great talent and we’ll see what he does.
“I think Inoue is a super special fighter with incredible IQ and strength and speed in both hands. I think a fighter would have to be very special and probably a little lucky to get something.” from him, and he (Inoue) has. to do something careless, I think he’s really hard to try to win.”
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Executive Chairman Todd DuBoeuf Praises Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Naoya Inoue
“When he starts going up, I think there could be some potential trouble here. When he starts getting to 126 pounds or even 130, they’re big guys compared to where he came from.”
“Believe it or not, I think Junto Nakatani is on his heels and he looks great. I see Nakatani’s size even though he’s lighter weight, you look at his physique and the way he hits. : It’s a tough fight for Inoue.
“It’s great to see that culture and that country really support boxing the way it has. A lot has to do with Ryota coming back from the Olympics and seeing Inoue really have a renaissance there “.
Watch Inoue v Kim live on Sky Sports+ from 7.30am on Friday. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
