BOXING
Why is there a change of challenger for Naoya Inoue? Who is Ye Joon Kim: record, background?
With less than two weeks to go, Sam Goodman pulled out of the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Bantamweight World title fight, forcing a shift in plans.

In the unpredictable world of boxing, plans can change in the blink of an eye. Naoya Inoue, the undefeated Japanese powerhouse with a 28-0 record and 25 knockouts, was all set to defend his super bantamweight titles against Australia’s Sam Goodman.
Goodman, boasting a 19-0 record, was eager to challenge Inoue. However, during training, he suffered a cut above his eye, leading to the postponement of their December 24 bout to January 24. Unfortunately, Goodman reopened the injury during sparring, forcing him to withdraw from the rescheduled fight.
Enter Ye Joon Kim, a 32-year-old South Korean boxer known as “Pacquiweather” and “Troublemaker.” With a professional record of 21 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, including 13 knockouts, Kim has been active in the boxing scene since 2012. Standing at 5′4″ and fighting out of Seoul, he has built a reputation for his resilience in the ring.
Kim’s early career was marked by a few setbacks, including two draws and a loss within his first few fights. After a period of inactivity, he returned to the ring in 2022 and has since secured notable victories. His most recent win came in May 2024, where he claimed the WBO Global Oriental title with a TKO against Rakesh Lohchab in Thailand.
Stepping in on just two weeks' notice to face a formidable opponent like Inoue is no small feat. Kim’s willingness to accept the challenge speaks volumes about his character and determination. While he may not hold rankings in the other major sanctioning bodies, his current WBO ranking at number 11 makes him eligible to contest for that title.
Inoue, known for his explosive power and precision, has expressed surprise at the sudden change but remains focused. He stated, “To be honest, I was surprised, but I am grateful to Chairman Ohashi for providing me with an opponent even in this situation. With less than two weeks until the match, we’ve managed to switch gears.”
For Kim, this bout represents a significant step up in competition. Facing an undefeated champion like Inoue is a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage. His moniker, “Pacquiweather,” suggests a blend of styles reminiscent of legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., indicating his aspiration to emulate their success.
As the January 24 fight date approaches, boxing enthusiasts are keen to see how this unexpected matchup unfolds. Kim’s courage to step into the ring against one of the sport’s most feared punchers is commendable. Whether he can withstand Inoue’s onslaught and make a name for himself remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the world will be watching when these two fighters meet in Tokyo.
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