Ahead of a proposed matchup against undisputed champion Naoya Inoue, IBF and WBO mandatory challenger Sam Goodman believes he’s seen enough from the Japanese star’s stoppage win over Luis Nery on Monday to provide him with the tools for an unlikely upset victory later this year. Wishful thinking?
Goodman: I’ve got to box my best in massive opportunity
- Inoue’s US promoter Bob Arum names Goodman and TJ Doheny, who the Australian beat over ten rounds on Tszyu-Harrison undercard last year, as Naoya’s two next bouts in Japan (September) and Riyadh (December)
- Arum on his brief conversation with the 25-year-old in Tokyo earlier this week: “I was very impressed with him, his demeanour. I don’t know whether it’s September or December but he certainly will this year.”
- Prime position: Goodman (18-0, 8 KOs) last boxed in March and is ranked #1 by both the IBF and WBO sanctioning bodies at the time of writing
THEY say you have to be your biggest supporter, just to have a sliver of an opportunity to achieve your dreams. Sam Goodman has reached the mountaintop, but will he fall victim to the same fate as Naoya Inoue’s 26 previous opponents?
Having watched Ring Magazine’s newly-inserted pound-for-pound king ringside at Japan’s Tokyo Dome on Monday, recover from a shock R1 knockdown to score a thrilling sixth-round stoppage win over Luis Nery, the 25-year-old has renewed optimism he can pull off an upset when the pair share the ring later this year.
Why wouldn’t he? The knockdown, the first Inoue has suffered in his illustrious career to date, served as a timely reminder even the most dominant champions aren’t invincible. Punch power isn’t Goodman’s big strength, with eight KOs on his 18-0 record, but will back himself to outbox a fearsome titlist over the 12-round distance.
Inoue’s last five
May 2024: Luis Nery, R6 TKO
Dec. 23: Marlon Tapales, R10 KO
July 2023: Stephen Fulton, R8 TKO
Dec. 22: Paul Butler, R11 KO
June 2022: Nonito Donaire, R2 TKO
Goodman’s last five
Mar. 2024: Mark Schleibs, R4 TKO
Dec. 23: Zhong Liu, UD12
Oct. 23: Miguel Flores, UD12
June 23: Ra’eese Aleem, SD12
March 2023: TJ Doheny, UD10
After all, the Australian has been dropped in his career this time two years ago during a UD10 win over Fumiya Fuse for the IBF Inter-Continental and WBO Oriental titles at 122lbs. He has steadily increased his level of competition since then, topped by a split decision nod over fellow unbeaten contender Ra’eese Aleem last June.
Activity breeds confidence and there’s no doubting his increased self-belief, having won a trio of fights since then on fight cards across Australia. Goodman spoke to Main Event’s Ben Damon post-fight and had this to say, per Fox Sports Australia:
“I’ve seen enough in the [Nery] fight to know I can do what I need to do, to win. It’s a massive opportunity for me, something very exciting and I’ve been saying it for how long, I want world titles. He’s got them all, I’ve got to box my best but I can beat this man. At any given moment, anyone can beat anyone. I’ve seen plenty in there to show I can really push him, not just that but beat him.”
Whether the above comment proves true when the time comes, we’ll see but while he doesn’t possess the same danger as Nery and Tapales did, it’s refreshing to see he isn’t overawed by the challenge. Critics are already overlooking mandatories and anticipating Inoue’s featherweight move, but there’s unfinished business first.
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes hyperlinked
Mo and Sports 