Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim Prediction & Keys to Win: Do You See an Upset?

Naoya Inoue vs Ye Joon Kim

It’s fight week! While it’s disappointing that the original matchup between Naoya Inoue and Sam Goodman won’t happen due to Goodman’s unfortunate eye injury, at least the fight goes on for arguably the best boxer from Asia right now! The Japanese fans adore Inoue, and even though this isn’t the blockbuster event we were all hoping for, the supporters will likely still flock to Ariake Arena in Tokyo on January 24.

Inoue’s popularity is a privilege that reminds me of Manny Pacquiao’s prime—no matter who Pacquiao was fighting, fans tuned in as long as he was in the ring.

The Brave Late Replacement from Korea

Everyone knows about “The Monster” from Japan. When the undefeated Australian Sam Goodman withdrew for the third time with less than a month to go, I thought it would be tough to find a replacement. After all, only a brave fighter would step in with limited preparation against the undisputed champion.

If world-class fighters like TJ Doheny, Luis Nery, Marlon Tapales, Stephen Fulton, Paul Butler, and Nonito Donaire couldn’t beat Inoue with full training camps, imagine the odds for a short-notice challenger.

Enter Ye Joon Kim, a 32-year-old fighter from South Korea. Nicknamed “Troublemaker” and “Pacqiweather,” Kim has accepted what many would call a near-impossible mission. He’s not Tom Cruise, but maybe he’s even better.

Taking this fight is a testament to Kim’s courage and ambition. His nickname “Pacqiweather” feels fitting—not just for his boldness, but because this opportunity is a dream come true for most boxers: a chance to fight for four belts and earn a solid payday. Whether he wins or loses, this is a win-win for Kim, as it elevates his career to the biggest stage imaginable.

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Monster vs. Pacqiweather: Prediction

While I’d love to see an upset, it’s hard to imagine it happening in this fight.

Naoya Inoue has been dismantling opponents—even at the highest level. Since 2019, he’s secured nine consecutive knockouts, with his last decision win being a classic against Nonito Donaire. With a record of 28 wins, 25 by knockout, it’s tough to bet against the undisputed champ.

Inoue has faced all types of fighters—brawlers, boxers, and technical specialists—and has emerged victorious every time.

On the other hand, Kim’s record shows he has mostly faced lower-ranked fighters in South Korea. After a nearly three-year layoff from 2019 to 2022, he’s fought in Mexico, the U.S., Australia, Thailand, and now Japan. He’s won all but one fight since his return, losing a close majority decision to Rob Diezel.

Regardless of the outcome, just fighting Naoya Inoue for the undisputed title is a victory in itself for Kim. Most boxing experts agree this is a stay-busy fight for Inoue, and it’s hard to see anyone but “The Monster” adding another KO win to his record.

Inoue vs Kim Tale of the Tape on Fight Fax

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What Can Kim Do?

There’s no clear blueprint to defeat Naoya Inoue. He’s evolved into a complete fighter with precision, speed, and power, making him a dominant force at super bantamweight. Honestly, I don’t think anyone can beat him at 122 lbs. He should consider moving up for a greater challenge.

So, what can Kim do?

The only viable strategy I see is to risk it all and go all out. Inoue is almost always the hunter, but he has been hurt before, as seen in his fights against Nery and Donaire. However, he has shown an incredible ability to recover.

Kim’s approach would have to be a do-or-die scenario. If he somehow manages an upset, it would be one of the biggest shocks in boxing history. Korea might even build a statue for him!

Kidding aside, a win for Kim would be monumental for Korean boxing, which has struggled to stay competitive in recent years. Who knows? Kim might even kick off a “K-Box” global revolution to rival K-Pop. Every movement needs a leader, and Kim could be the one to inspire belief.

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Final Thoughts

The Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim fight will take place on January 24, 2025. The event starts at 3 PM, with the main event ring walk scheduled around 7 PM. You can watch it live on ESPN+ in the U.S., but unfortunately, it’s not officially available in the Philippines.

For Filipino fans, Pow Salud of Powcast Sports will provide live blow-by-blow commentary. Check Facebook and YouTube for the schedule!

What are your thoughts and predictions for the fight? Let us know in the comments!

Watch our video commentary of the Inoue vs Kim Prediction