Naoya "Monster" Inoue is set to defend his unified WBA/WBC/IBF/WBO super bantamweight titles for the third time on January 24, 2025, against South Korean challenger Kim Ye-jun at Tokyo's Ariake Arena. This matchup has stirred immense anticipation, as it not only showcases the talents of two formidable boxers but also presents Kim with his first opportunity at the world title.
The main event will kick off at approximately 19:00 JST, following preliminary fights throughout the evening. Fans tuning in for the fight will be able to watch it via Lemino, which holds exclusive rights for live streaming the event, presenting it both to free and premium subscribers.
Naoya's last title defense occurred without incident, as he successfully retained his championship against Luis Nery and then TJ Bennett earlier last year. Now he faces Kim, who is reported to have never lost to Japanese opponents, with a perfect seven wins out of seven bouts. Notably, Kim is currently ranked WBO No. 11, having earned his spot as the replacement contender after Sam Goodman withdrew due to injury.
Kim Ye-jun, 32, has had remarkable success throughout his career, boasting 21 wins out of 25 fights, with 13 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His fighting style is marked by resilience, and his nickname "Trouble Maker" is derived from his knack for upending opponents’ rhythm. Interestingly, Kim's expected payout for this title shot has attracted media attention, as he could potentially exceed the highest fight purse for a Korean boxer set 35 years ago by Beak Inchul, which was recorded at $350,000.
Media reports from South Korea indicate there's speculation surrounding Kim's fight purse, with discussions indicating Kim could earn close to 1 billion won, though he himself downplayed those estimates, humorously asserting, "People seem to enjoy such talk, but I won’t earn at such levels.”
With the match room temperature high, betting odds reflect confidence in Naoya, positioning Kim's winning chances at about 5%. Despite these odds, Kim has expressed excitement for the challenge and confidence, asserting he has trained extensively to face someone of Naoya's caliber. He remarked on the heightened expectations surrounding this fight, noting, "I have trained with the intention to match his tempo to bring my best forward. His past opponents have never faced anyone like me.”
The fight day is scheduled with events commencing at 15:20 JST, leading to the weigh-ins and other pre-fight festivities. The viewers are advised to expect the entrance of both fighters between 19:00 and 19:45. With the way the schedule is laid out, everything is set for what promises to be an exhilarating evening of boxing.
For those unable to catch the action live, the match will be available for on-demand streaming from January 24 post-event until January 30, providing ample opportunity for boxing fans to witness this highly anticipated bout. Lemino's streaming approach is unique as it delivers this event exclusively, without broadcasting on traditional television platforms.
Heading behind the scenes, preparations by both camps are intense. Naoya's team conveys confidence, planning for future international competitions, including events set to take place later this year. Meanwhile, Kim's camp recognizes the gravity of this opportunity and the historical significance it holds for Korean boxing, aiming for Kim to emerge victorious and potentially claim the world title, something Korean boxers have not achieved since the days of Jin Choi back in 2004.
With both fighters bringing their unique strengths to the ring, audiences around the world eagerly await this face-off. Can the reigning champion defend his title yet again, or will the "Trouble Maker" disrupt his reign? Fans are counting down the days to find out.