In June, OPBF became the super lightweight champion by 2-1 decision overcoming the disadvantage of Japan’s expedition
WBO junior welterweight world ranking 14th
WBC super lightweight world ranking 17th
2026 OPBF title defense match
Kim Joo-young (36, Hannam Gymnasium) of the Korea Boxing Commission (KBM) was selected as the best rookie in the Eastern Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) during the 63rd World Boxing Council (WBC) annual general meeting.
In June 2025, Kim Joo-young participated as a challenger in the OPBF Superlightweight and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific Junior Welterweight Integrated Title Match (3 minutes × 12 rounds) and defeated champion Daishi Nagata (36, Japan) 2-1 by decision.
사진 확대 Kim Joo-young is taking a photo to commemorate the Rookie of the Year award of the 2025 East Pacific Boxing Federation during the 63rd annual general meeting of the World Boxing Council. 사진@legacyboxinggym_hannam 
사진 확대 From left, Hagiwara Minoru, chairman of the East Pacific Boxing Federation, Kim Joo-young, super lightweight champion of the East Pacific Boxing Federation, and Hwang Hyun-chul, CEO of the Korea Boxing Commission. Photo = KBM
The super light class and junior welter class are the same at 63.5kg. Kim Joo-young won the match by scoring two rounds 115-113 from the two assistant judges that he was ahead of Daishi Nagata after overcoming the disadvantage of the Japanese away game.
The World Boxing Council ranked Kim Ju-young 17th in the super lightweight world in August 2025. The World Boxing Organization ranked 14th in the junior welterweight division from September to October.
Kim Joo-young will play the first defense match of the title as the super lightweight champion of the East Pacific Boxing Federation at a special ring at Itaewon Elementary School in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
사진 확대 Kim Joo-young will play the first defense match of the title as the super lightweight champion of the East Pacific Boxing Federation at a special ring at Itaewon Elementary School in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Photo = Hannam Promotion
Challenger Hiroki Horike (25, Japan) is attracting attention as the son of the runner-up in the Kyokushin World Championship. When he was an amateur boxer, he won a silver medal at the Japanese championships.
Kim Joo-young Professional Boxing History and Major Career
2013~ 20 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws
KO/TKO 11 wins and 0 losses
2016 Welterweight title match of the Korean Fighters Commission
2017 Korea Championship Middleweight Champion
2018 Asian Champion of the International Boxing Federation
2025 East Pacific Boxing Federation Champion
사진 확대 Kim Joo-young is taking a commemorative photo after winning the Super Lightweight Integrated Title Match at Gorakuen Hall in Tokyo in June 2025. The World Boxing Organization’s Asia-Pacific on the left and the East Pacific Boxing Federation’s champion belt on the right. 사진=ボクシングモバイル(boxmob.jp) Courtesy
2025 World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific Champ
August 2025, 17th place in the super lightweight division of WBC
14th place in WBO Junior Welterweight from September to October 2025
1st defense match for OPBF title in January 2026 (scheduled)
[Kang Daeho, MK Sports Reporter]