Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and #1 IBF and #1 WBO Sam Goodman are closing in on a deal to meet on Christmas Eve December 24th in Tokyo, Japan.
Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) will be satisfying the mandatory defense, against the 25-year-old Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs). Like most of Inoue’s fights, it’s not one the US fans are calling for, but he’s not taking too many risks with his career right now. Inoue can fight anyone, and his loyal fans are eager to see him.
Fans on social media were not happy with this choice of Naoya’s opponent, as they felt that Goodman was chosen by the Japanese star. There are other fighters at 122 and 126 that the boxing community would rather see fight Inoue.
Goodman is another light puncher on par with Naoya’s past opponents TJ Doheny and Paul Butler. Fighters need power to have any chance of defeating Inoue, and Goodman doesn’t have that door.
Australia’s Goodman earned his first IBF and WBO titles by defeating these fighters:
– Miguel Flores
– TJ Doheny
– Ra’eese Aleem
– Juan Miguel Elorde
– Richie Mepranum
– Chainoi Worawut
The super bantamweight division is underpowered. So, it’s no surprise that this victory has led to Goodman’s rise to the top of the IBF and WBO rankings. If there were better fighters in the weight class, it is doubtful if Goodman would have made it to the mandatory #1 spot.
Inoue seems to be enjoying his stay at 122-lb, as he shows no great desire to move up to 126 to compete with fighters in that full weight class. That would be dangerous for Inoue because there are punchers and fighters with size.
“Naoya Inoue and Sam Goodman finalize their fight agreement for Dec. 24 in Tokyo for Inoue’s junior featherweight title fight. Inoue will complete another mandatory title defense, this time on Christmas Eve. Goodman is very underrated with a fun style,” Mike Coppinger told X.
If Naoya wins this fight against Goodman, he may face Junto Nakatani next, as long as he defeats his brother Takuma Inoue.
Last updated on 10/03/2024
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