45 years ago
Sung Jun Kim vs Shigeo Nakajima
Date: 3rd January 1980
Venue: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Title: WBC World Light-flyweight Title
Referee: Dick Young
Sung Jun Kim
(
25
-
6
-
5
)
Weight: 107¾ lbs
Shigeo Nakajima
(
12
-
2
-
1
)
Weight: 107¾ lbs
On January 3, 1980, the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, hosted a WBC World Light-Flyweight Title bout between defending champion Sung Jun Kim of South Korea and Japanese challenger Shigeo Nakajima. The matchup brought together two contrasting styles—Kim's relentless pressure and aggression against Nakajima's technical precision and disciplined counter-punching. Both fighters weighed 107¾ pounds, ready for twelve rounds of championship action.
Sung Jun Kim entered the ring with a professional record of 25 wins, 6 losses, and 5 draws. Kim had won the WBC title in September 1978 by defeating Netrnoi Sor Vorasingh and made three successful defences. Those defences included two hard-fought encounters with Hector Melendez and a split-decision victory over Siony Carupo. Known for his tireless engine and resilience, Kim had established himself as a durable champion, capable of absorbing punishment and continuing to push forward.
Despite a more modest record of 12 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, Shigeo Nakajima came into the bout with the poise of a well-schooled boxer. Fighting on home soil, Nakajima had the crowd on his side and carried a reputation for his disciplined approach, precise counter-punching, and excellent ring movement. The title opportunity was the biggest moment of his career, and he stepped into the ring with the focus of a fighter who knew precisely what was at stake.
The fight began with Kim applying immediate pressure, pushing forward with his trademark aggression and unleashing flurries of punches. Nakajima, however, remained composed, using his jab to maintain distance and carefully placing counter-right hands whenever Kim overcommitted. The early rounds were competitive, with Kim's volume occasionally finding success, but Nakajima's cleaner and more accurate work began to set a pattern.
In the middle rounds, Nakajima's tactical superiority became increasingly evident. His jab started to snap Kim's head back consistently, and his ability to pivot away from danger made it difficult for the South Korean to pin him down. Kim remained determined, ploughing forward and throwing combinations, but many of his punches were blocked or fell short of their mark. Nakajima, in contrast, remained economical, landing sharp counters that scored with the judges.
By the ninth round, the physical toll of the fight was written across Kim's face. The swelling had developed around his eyes, and a cut above his left brow was leaking blood. Despite these setbacks, Kim kept pressing forward, occasionally landing looping hooks when Nakajima stayed in the pocket for too long. However, Nakajima's precision and ability to control the pace continued to frustrate the champion.
As the fight entered the championship rounds, Nakajima stayed disciplined. He avoided unnecessary risks and continued to punish Kim with clean counter-punches every time the South Korean charged in. Kim, though visibly exhausted, never stopped trying to force a breakthrough, but his punches had lost their snap, and his movements became increasingly laboured.
Both fighters raised their hands when the final bell rang, but there was a palpable sense of confidence in Nakajima's corner. The judges' scorecards reflected the challenger's control of the fight. Renier Manoch scored 146-139, Takeo Ugo had it 148-143, and Dick Young tallied 145-141—all in favour of Shigeo Nakajima, who was declared the new WBC World Light-Flyweight Champion by unanimous decision.
For Nakajima, the victory was the pinnacle of his career. However, his time at the top would prove short-lived, as he lost the title in his first defence against Hilario Zapata. For Sung Jun Kim, the loss marked the end of his championship reign. Though he continued to fight, the gruelling battles of his title defences had begun to take their toll.
The fight clearly displayed contrasting strategies—Kim's raw aggression and unyielding determination against Nakajima's precision and tactical discipline. In the end, Nakajima's ability to stick to his game plan and capitalize on Kim's predictable forward momentum earned him the title.