Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and #1 IBF and #1 WBO Sam Goodman strike a deal to meet on Christmas Eve December 24th in Tokyo, Japan.
Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) will satisfy a mandatory defense against the 25-year-old Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs). Like many of Inoue’s fights, this isn’t one that fans in the US are clamoring for, but he’s not taking many risks with his career at this point. Inoue can fight anyone, and his loyal fans are eager to see him.
Fans on social media are unhappy with this choice of opponent for Naoya, as they feel Goodman is another cherry-picker by the Japanese star. There are other fighters at 122 and 126 that the boxing public would prefer to see Inoue fight.
Goodman is another light puncher in the mold of previous Naoya opponents TJ Doheny and Paul Butler. Fighters need power to have any chance of beating Inoue, and Goodman lacks that department.
Australian Goodman earned his #1 ranking with the IBF and WBO by beating these fighters:
– Miguel Flores
– TJ Doheny
– Ra’eese Aleem
– Juan Miguel Elorde
– Richie Mepranum
– Chainoi Worawut
The super bantamweight division is weak. So it’s no surprise that these wins have seen Goodman move up the top of the IBF and WBO rankings. If there were better fighters in the weight class, it is doubtful that Goodman would have ever made it to the #1 mandatory spot.
Inoue seems to be enjoying his stay at 122 pounds, as he hasn’t shown much desire to move up to 126 to compete with the fighters in that well-stocked weight class. It will be dangerous for Inoue because there are punchers there and fighters with size.
“Naoya Inoue and Sam Goodman are finalizing a deal for a December 24 fight in Tokyo for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight championship. Inoue will make another mandatory title defense, this time on Christmas Eve. Goodman is highly underrated with an exciting style,” said Mike Coppinger X.
If Naoya wins this fight against Goodman, he could face Junto Nakatani next, provided he beats his brother Takuma Inoue.
Last updated on 10/03/2024
