"Volcano" Kim Ji-hoon began his boxing career in October 2004 in South Korea, winning eight of his first 12 fights. In July 2006, he fought his first match abroad at the International Conference Hall in
Nagoya,
Aichi,
Japan, where he lost to Makyo Sugita by unanimous decision after 10 rounds. In May 2008, he fought his first
United States match in
Las Vegas,
Nevada, where he defeated
Georgian born
Koba Gogoladze by
technical knockout in the first round. Kim survived a series of punishing blows from his opponent before knocking him down with a devastating left hook, ultimately finishing the match with a flurry of punches moments later. In March 2009, he fought his second U.S. fight in
Laredo,
Texas, defeating Gilbert Salinas by TKO in the eighth round. On February 12, 2010, Kim fought national amateur champion Tyrone Harris as part of the
Friday Night Fights main event. Kim won by TKO in the fifth round after the referee stopped the fight. On May 21, 2010, Kim fought Ameth Díaz as part of the
Friday Night Fights main event. Kim defeated Diaz by TKO in the first round at 2:59. Kim lost his first fight in four years on August 15, 2010, to
Miguel Vázquez for the vacant
IBF Lightweight title by unanimous decision. ==Professional boxing record==