Australian tremendous bantamweight Sam Goodman has lastly received his world title shot, and can tackle undisputed champion Naoye Inoue in Tokyo on Christmas Eve.
The undefeated Goodman is Inoue’s obligatory challenger within the WBO ranks and has been calling out the person recognized in boxing circles as “Monster” for nearly a yr.
Goodman is ranked first by the IBF and WBO, and has a 19-0 skilled report, with eight KOs.
He’s ranked third in The Ring rankings and third by the impartial Transnational Boxing Rankings.
The person ranked simply behind Inoue, Marlon Tapales, was overwhelmed by the Japanese fighter in a tenth spherical knockout final yr as Inoue unified the 55kg division.
Inoue, among the finest pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, is one in every of simply three males to ever be named undisputed in two weight divisions within the 4 belt period alongside Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk.
The 31-year-old famous person has a 28-0 report with a whopping 25 KOs — an astonishing report within the decrease weight divisions.
Naoya Inoue’s knockout share is extraordinary. (Getty Photos: Steve Marcus)
A type of knock out victories got here in opposition to Australian Jason Moloney in Las Vegas in 2020.
Goodman, 26, has already fought twice in 2024, beating Mark Schleibs by TKO in 4 rounds in March and profitable a unanimous choice in opposition to Thachtana Luangphon in July.
Each fights passed off in Wollongong, with Goodman taking a brief break after beating Luangphon as a consequence of a hand damage.
Nonetheless, in opposition to Inoue, Goodman will probably be strolling into the Lions den, heading to the 15,000-capacity Ariake Enviornment the place the Japanese sensation has gained all of his final 4 fights by knockout.
Goodman advised Fox Sports activities that he was completely satisfied to get a world title shot finally, however that is not the place his ambition ends.
“I have never labored this tough for a world title shot … I’ve labored this tough to go win all of the belts,” Goodman advised Fox Sports activities.
“That is what I am targeted on. Have been for a while.
“We have had the contracts signed for some time and I’ve been placing within the work.”
Naoya Inoue (left) is a terrifying prospect. (Getty Photos: Steve Marcus)
The Australian will head to Japan — his first battle abroad — as an infinite underdog.
“I am not apprehensive about what it means to be underdog, or who does and would not consider in me. It is none of my concern what others take into consideration the battle,” he stated.
“I consider I can win this battle and so does my workforce.
“That is why I am doing this. It is all about profitable this battle, and I do know I can do it.”
Inoue additionally fought twice in 2024, beating each Luis Nery in Might and TJ Doheny in September to defend all 4 of his belts.
He gained each fights by technical knockout — his final victory not by knockout got here in opposition to Nonito Donaire in 2019.
Australia at the moment has two reigning world champions, IBF cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia and WBC featherweight champion Skye Nicolson.
