[ODDS and EVENS] Naoya Inoue Rolls with the Punches in Preparation for Latest Title Defense

"Man plans, God laughs," an old Yiddish proverb tells us. Yep, more times than not, life doesn't always go according to plan, so expect the unexpected. Boxers, including Naoya Inoue, aren't immune from these facts.

Inoue has had to adjust his plans multiple times over the past several weeks for his next title defense. At the same time, he appears to be handling it with a positive mindset.

The brilliant boxer's next fight is on Friday, January 24 at Tokyo's Ariake Arena against South Korean Ye Joon Kim (21-2-2, 10 KOs).

"It was a real plus for me to get my body into shape over a longer period of time. I could realize this was the best way to condition myself," Inoue was quoted as saying by Kyodo News at a pre-fight news conference in Yokohama on Wednesday. 

The boxing superstar known as "The Monster" to his legions of fans, added, "I'll give everything I have and fight believing in my 25-year career."

Unexpected Change of Plans for Naoya Inoue

Inoue (28-0, 25 knockouts), the undisputed super bantamweight world champion, has continued his high-intensity training at Ohashi Boxing Gym in Yokohama while he faced a one-month delay (from December 24, 2024 to January 24, 2025) to a fight against Australian Sam Goodman.

A mid-December cut above Goodman's left eye during training resulted in the delay. And then an injury that was stronger than the first one but in the same spot followed a month later. 

Goodman, the WBO's top-ranked super bantamweight, pulled out of the fight. Enter replacement Kim, who is ranked No 11 by the WBO in the weight class.

Inoue is clearly prepared for the new challenge.

"Maybe some boxers can't properly deal with their opponent changing at the last minute, but for me, whoever I am facing I know I have a wide range of skills," Inoue told reporters on Wednesday, according to Agence France-Presse.

Motivation to Maintain His Reign as Champ

As Inoue geared up for his jaw-dropping 24th consecutive world title bout, the four-division champion reminded everyone that his punching power is augmented by a sharp knowledge of what it takes to thrive in the sport.

"Whether to go aggressive from the first round [against Kim], or display the level of my boxing IQ ... I'll take my time to work on that," Inoue was quoted as saying by Kyodo News.

In a 2024 profile of Inoue published by The Ring magazine, the Kanagawa Prefecture native shed light on what motivates him fight after fight, year after year.

"I wouldn't fight at featherweight or super-featherweight just because the money is good," Inoue said, according to The Ring. "There are many fighters who chased the money but ended up not being able to perform well and [who] quit. The reason I box is not for the money; I do this to show my best self." 

'His Skills are Otherworldly'

ESPN boxing insider Mike Coppinger delivered a succinct summary of Inoue's incredible all-around skills in a profile of the legendary fighter two days before he steps into the right with Kim.

"And no matter whom he fights, Inoue delivers entertainment," Coppinger wrote. "His skills are otherworldly as he uses perfect balance, elite footwork and top-notch punch placement to break opponents down and then finish them."

Ye Joon Kim will join the long list of boxers vanquished by Naoya Inoue in the ring.

So the question isn't if Inoue will beat Kim, but in which round the fight will end. 

In my perspective, from many years of following boxing, Kim will not lose on points but by the totality of punches landed by Inoue. A knockout will occur.

My prediction: a seventh-round KO.

RELATED:

• Will Naoya Inoue Come Undone Against Late Replacement Ye Joon Kim?
• Naoya Inoue Ready for Big Show as He Defends Titles Against Ye Joon Kim
• [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Naoya Inoue to Fight Injury Replacement Ye Joon Kim on January 24

Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.