Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and IBF #1 and WBO #1 Sam Goodman have struck a deal to meet on Christmas Eve on December 24th in Tokyo, Japan.
Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) will satisfy a mandatory defense, fighting the 25-year-old Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs). Like many of Inoue’s fights, it’s not one that fans in the US are calling for, but he hasn’t taken 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 not happy with this choice of opponent for Naoya as they feel that Goodman is another choice by the Japanese star. There are other fighters at 122 and 126 that the boxing public would rather see Inoue fight.
Goodman is another light puncher in the mold of Naoya’s past opponents TJ Doheny and Paul Butler. Fighters need power to have any chance of beating Inoue, and Goodman lacks in that department.
Australian Goodman earned his #1 ranking with the IBF and WBO by defeating these fighters:
– Miguel Flores
– TJ Doheny
– Ra’eese Aleem
– Juan Miguel Elorde
– Richie Mepranum
– Chainoi Worawut
The super bantamweight division is weak. Therefore, it is not surprising that these victories resulted in Goodman returning to 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 mandatory #1 spot.
Inoue seems to be enjoying his stay at 122-lb, as he hasn’t shown much desire to move up to 126 to compete with fighters in that well-stocked weight class. That would be dangerous for Inoue because there are punchers here and fighters with size.
“Naoya Inoue and Sam Goodman finalized an agreement for a December 24 fight in Tokyo for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight championship. Inoue will complete another mandatory title defense, this time on Christmas Eve. Goodman is highly underrated with exciting style,” said Mike Coppinger X.
If Naoya wins this fight against Goodman, he could face Junto Nakatani next, as long as he beats his brother Takuma Inoue.
Last updated on 03/10/2024
