Four to the floor as Naoya Inoue crushes Korea’s Kim
Plus, Diego Pacheco and Dalton Smith pass tests in different ways...
After a fourth-round Tokyo blast out, it was clear that substitute opponent Ye Joon Kim was brave if nothing more. Taking the place of Sam Goodman, even offering a little “come and get me” wave, inviting Naoya Inoue in to unload is a dangerous game. Kim played hard and lost.
Late replacement opponents sometimes bring an element of risk. Inoue made sure that even when the opponent was overmatched, he could still put on a show. Kim’s bravado added to the entertainment value. The Korean’s grimacing face felt the full effects of a body shot just in time for a follow-up headshot to put him down and out in round four.
There are some interesting future matchups to be made next. WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev is still hanging around, seeking his overdue shot. An all-Japanese affair with Junto Nakatani is a possibility.
After the Kim beatdown, promoter Bob Arum said they would travel to Las Vegas in the spring (David Picasso is the likely foe); Inoue added Saudi Arabia later in the year. Throw in the chance of a move up to featherweight and there is still plenty to get excited about when it comes to this dominant fighter.
Diego Pacheco a cut above Steven Nelson, wins in Vegas on points
Over in Las Vegas on Saturday night, Diego Pacheco defeated a risky undefeated fighter for the second time in his last three outings. In April 2024, it was unheralded trickster Shawn McCalman who required working out over 10. This time, it was army veteran and late starter Steven Nelson who Pacheco outbattled over 12 (all cards scored it 117-111).
Pacheco is only 23 and could do with a touch more seasoning, but he seems to have already reached the put up or shut up stage, being ranked number one by the WBO. Looking up those rankings, he sees Canelo.
Looking down the rankings, he sees Christian Mbilli and Edgar Berlanga. Both of the latter names would be more beneficial. However, Canelo chances don’t come along every day and it would be hard to turn down a call from the cinnamon one.
Nelson, 36, was doing Ok early. Once he got a rough cut, it was hard to stem the flow and the Nebraska underdog visibly wilted. Can he come again? Yes, of course, off the back of this performance. For a man whose career has rumbled along in fits and starts, blighted by injuries and lack if opportunity, this feels like the final flurry.
Devastating Dalton Smith stiffs Ouizza in one
Earlier in the evening, Dalton Smith delivered a flawless display in Nottingham, blasting away Walid Ouizza in the opening round, taking home the vacant European super-lightweight title.
The Frenchman was a weak challenger but had never been stopped. Smith took the early initiative and never let him breathe. Ouizza looked slow and out of his depth. Dalton dealt with him how he should be dealt with.
The talk after was about pushing Smith towards a world title shot quickly. I’d like to see him hone his craft even further, become an active European champion across 2025 and look for world honours after that. Ouizza might melt under the accurate bursts, but the likes of Haney, Martin, Puello, Paro or Hitchins provide different stylistic issues to solve.
Conah Walker produced the ultimate come-from-behind victory, dissecting the points lead Harry Scarff had assembled by landing a peach of a right hand on the Derby man’s jaw.
The spidery spoiler unravelled as a result, enabling Walker to force a stoppage, well deserved in the eyes of everyone watching, except for Tony Bellew.
Ellie Scotney retained her world titles with a wide points win over Mea Motu. The New Zealander talked a good game, but her slow footwork made every round a struggle as Scotney waltzed home, calling out Skye Nicolson post-fight.
Image Credit: BBC, Promotional.
About Steve…
Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.
Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com
I love it when Inoue wins.