Fresh off his latest knockout win, Japanese talent Naoya Inoue appeared to have his next opponent lined up although it could be about to change as the proposed man in the opposite corner is taking a tough interim bout.
That man is Sam Goodman, the mandatory challenger for the undisputed super bantamweight title held by Inoue, but he has decided to risk that position and a potential $1 million payday by taking a fight in July before one with Inoue later in the year in a decision that is similar to that of recent moves made by Tim Tszyu.
Goodman believes this move could lead to the biggest upset in Australian boxing history as the undefeated 25-year-old announced his next fight against Chainoi Worawut at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre on July 10.
This decision is pivotal for the Albion Park native, who has been the mandatory contender for Inoue (27-0) for several months and even confronted the champion in the ring after Inoue’s latest victory at a packed Tokyo Dome.
Should Goodman face Inoue in either Japan or Saudi Arabia, he stands to earn a $1 million purse, with the potential for an even larger rematch payday if he wins.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum revealed to Fox Sports Australia that Inoue and Goodman will definitely fight this year, although Inoue might take another fight in September before a December bout.
Goodman’s camp prefers the December fight and wants Goodman to fight once more in July before focusing entirely on the undisputed champion.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Arum expanded on the plan.
“The plan is for Inoue to fight again in Japan this September. And then depending on how everything breaks down from there, he would fight again at the end of the year, maybe in Riyadh.
“And both Sam Goodman and the Irish kid (Doheny) are great opponents. I had the opportunity to have a brief conversation with Sam this week in Tokyo and was very impressed with him and his demeanour. So whether he fights Inoue in September or December, I don’t know, “But he certainly will be fighting Inoue this year.”
It’s a big risk for Goodman, but should it come off he could well be sitting pretty atop his division.
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