Sometimes in boxing, stepping up on short notice can speak volumes about a fighter’s heart. That’s exactly the case for Ye Joon Kim, who courageously filled in for Sam Goodman to challenge Naoya Inoue, one of the sport’s most gifted champions, only to be stopped in four rounds. Despite the lopsided outcome at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Kim’s manager, Mike Altamura, says he couldn’t be prouder of his fighter’s gutsy performance.
Kim may have dropped to 21-3-2 (13 KOs), but Altamura believes he proved his “world-class” potential against an opponent of Inoue’s caliber. With just 13-and-a-half days to prepare, Kim gave his all, firing back when opportunities arose and refusing to wilt under the Japanese star’s power.
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“He didn’t die wondering,” Altamura explained, pointing out that Kim’s willingness to trade punches with Inoue, even in defeat, has earned him new admirers - and potentially fresh opportunities in Japan.
As for Inoue, Altamura calls him a “generational talent” who possesses a potent blend of speed, timing, and ring IQ. Having been in the opposite corner twice now - first with TJ Doheny and then Kim - Altamura is convinced Inoue could thrive all the way up to 130 pounds if he chooses. Meanwhile, Kim will take a breather and then look for a meaningful comeback fight, hoping his brave showing leads to bigger stages down the road. After all, in boxing, it’s not just about winning - it’s about showing heart when the odds are stacked against you.
Image Credit: Naoki Fukuda