Naoya Inoue began his 2025 campaign with another emphatic statement, halting South Korea’s Ye Joon Kim in the fourth round to retain his undisputed super bantamweight crown. Fighting at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, the Japanese champion produced a measured yet devastating performance, stopping the brave challenger at 2:25 of round four.

Kim entered the contest as a late replacement, accepting the bout on short notice after the original challenger withdrew. A former regional titleholder in Asia, the Korean contender arrived with ambition and a compelling backstory, but he faced an immense task against one of boxing’s most complete champions. Both fighters weighed in at 121¾ lb, yet the gulf in experience at world level quickly became apparent.

The opening round was cautious, with Inoue using footwork and timing rather than force. He spent the early moments gauging Kim’s stance and reactions, keeping his punches economical and precise. Kim attempted to vary his approach, switching rhythm and throwing single shots, but struggled to establish authority or disrupt the champion’s balance.

By the second round, Inoue began to dictate the pace. His punches carried increasing weight, particularly to the body, and his accuracy forced Kim into defensive retreats. The Tokyo crowd sensed the shift, as each clean connection drew a murmur of anticipation. Kim’s courage could not be questioned, but the champion’s control of distance and timing steadily closed off his options.

Round three saw the punishment intensify. Inoue mixed head and body attacks with clinical efficiency, causing visible swelling around Kim’s face. Although the challenger responded with isolated counters and continued to press forward, the exchanges increasingly favoured the champion, whose calm demeanour masked the damage he was inflicting.

The end came swiftly in the fourth. As Kim tried to engage more aggressively, Inoue seized the opening and delivered a crushing right hand that dropped the challenger heavily. Referee Mark Nelson administered the count, but there was no doubt Kim could not continue. The stoppage confirmed Inoue’s 26th knockout in 29 professional victories and underlined his status as one of the most feared finishers in the sport.

This victory followed Inoue’s previous outing, where he secured undisputed status at super bantamweight with a commanding stoppage win against TJ Doheny, completing his ascent across multiple weight divisions. Against Kim, he showed patience as well as power, choosing the moment to finish rather than forcing the conclusion early.

Ye Joon Kim earned respect for accepting the challenge and displaying resilience, yet the contest served as another reminder of the champion’s exceptional level. In the final reckoning, Inoue’s precision, composure and power proved far too much for Ye Joon Kim, as Naoya Inoue once again demonstrated why he remains boxing’s undisputed super bantamweight ruler.