PROMOTER Bob Arum has confirmed that ‘The Monster’ Naoya Inoue will take part in a Stateside bout in the spring. Just moments after his man had dispatched of a game but outclassed Ye Joon Kim in round four, Inoue thanked the crowd and his replacement foe before passing the mic over to the Top Rank veteran.
“I just want to say another great performance by our champion here,” stated Bob Arum. “I observed that the great country of Japan has given Ohtani [Japanese baseball pitcher] to the city of Los Angeles.
“And at least for one fight, the great country of Japan will give this great Inoue to the city of Las Vegas for one fight this spring. So thank you all and I really appreciate it.”
2025 will see Inoue return not just to America but also plant his flag further afield as the relationship with Saudi paymaster Turki Al-alshikh shows the first signs of blossoming.
“Yes, 2025 will be the year for me to go overseas countries to have a fight. So in spring of 2025, I’ll be going to Las Vegas to show you the great match,” added the Ariake Arena victor.
First scheduled to entertain Sam Goodman on December 24, a sparring cut suffered by the Aussie pushed it back to January 24, only for Goodman to fall foul of the same injury.
In stepped Kim, who started tentatively before growing into the contest just in time to get caught cold and knocked out. The ending was swift and brutal. Time had barely passed before Inoue was done and dusted, throwing signed t-shirts into the crowd to celebrate.
“I am planning to have a fight in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia this year. So please give me a big applause and please welcome me everywhere I go,” the 31-year-old requested.
