Ji Won Kim

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Ji-Won Kim (born August 6, 1959 in Korea). On May 17, 1983, the southpaw fought Chan-Jung Chun for the Korean Super Bantamweight title. The bout ended up being a 10 round decision for Ji-Won Kim. After this victory he had the opportunity of fighting for a more prestigious title four months later against Little Bangoyan for the vacant Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation capturing the title with a 12 round decision. For the next year Ji-Won Kim made five defenses of his OPBF Super Bantamweight title against the likes of Lito Cortez (KO 2), Monod (TKO 4), Rolando Navarro (PTS 12), and Fel Malatag (TKO 6).

With these victories to his ledger, he was now ready to fight for a world diadem. On January 3, 1985, he got that opportunity when he met countryman and reigning International Boxing Federation champ Seung-Il Suh. It was a grueling give and take war which was ultimately won by Ji-Won Kim via 10th round stoppage. Kim would make four successful defenses of his title against Ruben Dario Palacios (W15 March 30, 1985), Bobby Berna (KO 4 June 28, 1985), Seung-Il Suh (KO 2 October 9, 1985), Rudy Casicas (KO 2 May 2, 1986).

He would abruptly retire from boxing finishing with a record of 16 wins, no losses, and two ties. He would become the second of three world champions to retire unbeaten, with Heavyweight Rocky Marciano and Strawweight Ricardo Lopez being the others.

Preceded by Seung-Il Suh

IBF Super Bantamweight Champion 3 Jan 1985– 1986 Retired

Succeeded by Seung-Hoon Lee