10.5.2024

Introduction:
Hiromi Wajima (26 fights, 20 wins (17 KOs), 6 losses), looking to make his return to form, stepped into the ring at Edion Arena, Osaka, to face South Korea’s Kim Joon Hwa (31 fights, 22 wins (10 KOs), 8 losses, 1 draw). Wajima, known as “Wajimax” in Japan, was eager to regain the confidence he lost after consecutive KO losses in his previous fights. Standing 10 cm taller than Kim, Wajima used his size advantage and southpaw stance to control the fight from the start.

First Round:
Wajima wasted no time, connecting early with a series of inside low kicks that did visible damage to Kim, who struggled with the height difference. The smaller fighter attempted to close the distance to use his hands but was consistently met with knees and kicks to his inside thigh. At the two-minute mark, Kim was caught with a brutal roundhouse kick to the liver sending him to the mat. Kim, struggling to his feet, was soon met by a step-in knee to the liver from Wajima, and the two devastating strikes were all that were needed to end the bout.

With this, Wajima was able to end the fight early, securing a much-needed win. This decisive victory will hopefully help Wajima rebuild his confidence after his recent struggles in the ring.