|
April 17th 2009-I Park Mall Seoul, South Korea Ji Hoon Kim (16-5, 13) vs Hyung Joo Yum (2-1) Few Korean fighters in recent years managed to capture the attention of the US market like Ji Hoon Kim [김지훈]. Here we get to see Kim facing off against Hyun Joo Yum in the last 8 of a Korean national tournament.
0 Comments
December 13th 2008-Ramada Plaza Hotel, Jeju, South Korea Ji Hoon Kim (14-5, 11) vs Jung Suk Mo (1-1-1, 1) In 2008 popular Korean Ji Hoon Kim [김지훈] battled against Jung Suk Mo in a bout that took place as part of a Korean Lightweight tournament. November 4th 2007- Goyang City, South Korea Ji Hoon Kim (12-5, 9) vs Edward Apaap (15-9-2, 6) In 2007 popular Korean slugger Ji Hoon Kim [김지훈] battled against Filipino Edward Apaap in bout for the PABA Featherweight title, a title that Kim was defending. May 16th 2008-Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Ji Hoon Kim (13-5, 10) Vs Koba Gogoladze (20-2, 8) In 2008 Korean fighter Ji Hoon Kim (김지훈) made his American debut, going up against Koba Gogoladze. It's fair to say this was an impressive debut for US fans who quickly fell in love for the all-action Korean August 14th 2010-Laredo Energy Arena, Laredo, Texas, USA Ji Hoon Kim (21-5, 18) Vs Miguel Vazquez (25-3, 12) Recently we've seen Min Wook Kim begin to base himself in the west as he's tried to become the latest Korean star. Prior to him we need to go back to Ji Hoon Kim for the last Korean to really make an impact in the west. Kim, a typical Korean Brawler, is best known by some for his IBF Lightweight title fight against talented Mexican Miguel Vazquez. Sadly for Kim this was to be the beginning of the end an eye injury first suffered here eventually forced his retirement with it becoming a recurring issue of the following years. February 27th 2011- Gymnasium, Mungyeong, South Korea Ji Hoon Kim (21-7, 18) Vs Dong Hyuk Kim (3-0, 1) In recent years Korean fighters have struggled to make a mark above OPBF level with only one Korean really managing to make a name for himself. That was Ji Hoon Kim who got the chance to show his heart, bravery and power in the US. Sadly Ji Hoon Kim's limitations stopped him reaching the top though they did help make him, for a while, one of the sports must watch fighters. In his most notable bout in Korea Ji Hoon Kim fought compatriot Dong Hyuk Kim for the South Korean Lightweight title and the bout was something a bit special with both hammering home major shots in what become a grueling and exciting war that tested each man's resolve. If you've not seen this one it's well worth a watch. Notable whilst Ji Hoon Kim was off making his name in the US Dong Hyuk Kim was winning the OPBF Super Featherweigth title, a title he lost to Jomthong Chuwatana courtesy of a gruesome injury. If you've not seen that fight it's another that is well worth a watch, especially if you do so ahead of Jomthong's upcoming defence against Daiki Kaneko. Like all fight fans we love watching brawlers. There is just something about watching a fighter happily take a shot to the face to try and land his own that is just so aesthetically pleasing . For some reason the brawling style has almost been personified over the years by fighters from South Korea who have often seemed happy to take a shot land one. The last "big name" Korean was Ji Hoon Kim, a man who fought numerous bouts in the US where he made a notable fan base for his style and willingness to exchange punches with out a thought towards defense. Although known for his bouts in the US he did fight numerous times in his native South Korea and, at the time of writing, his last bout was in Korea as he took on Indonesia's Roy Tua Manihuruk for the WBO Asia Pacific Welterweight title. The bout was a mismatch from the second it was signed though as with all of Kim's bouts it was a fun bout to watch from the opening round to the final bell. Thankfully for Kim's health however it was a bout that saw him avoiding any serious punishment and many have suggested this will be his last bout. In the last decade or so there has only been one Korean that has managed to capture the attention of the boxing press. The was the exciting but limited Ji Hoon Kim who managed to make his name around the world with televised fights in Korea, Australia and the USA. Unfortunately for Kim his memories of Australia are bad ones courtesy of his fight with heavy handed Aussie Leonardo Zappavigna. The fight, which lasted less than 2 minutes, saw Kim dropped heavily after about a minute. He never managed to recover and although he got to his feet he was down again soon after wards and then finished off seconds after the second knockdown. Kim continued to fight on in his career having mixed success but remaining a fan favourite due to his bravery and his style. Amazingly he managed to go the distance rounds with numerous other top fighters, such as Raymundo Beltran and Maurico Herrera, and Zappavigna is one of only 2 fighters to have stopped Kim. As for Zappavigna he lost his two follow up contests, including a decision to Miguel Vazquez, though had scored some notable wins since, including a stoppage of Shuhei Tsuchiya earlier this year. (Video courtesy of Leonardo Zappavigna) |
VideosHere we include some of the best, most interesting, most exciting or most eye catching videos from around the Asian boxing world. Archives
March 2024
|