Naoya Inoue is set for his third fight of 2024, this time against undefeated super bantamweight Sam Goodman. The announcement came unexpectedly, with Top Rank Boxing releasing it during a midnight update on Wednesday. The bout will take place on December 24 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
The Japanese boxing star will defend all his belts, giving Sam Goodman a chance to claim all four and become the undisputed champion. However, Goodman will find this task challenging because “The Monster” showcases exceptional punching power, achieving a knockout-to-win ratio of 89.28% and an even higher 91.30% in world title matches.
Inoue aims to extend his nine-fight knockout streak to ten, while Goodman is targeting his 20th career win. Earlier this year, Goodman came back from a knockdown to defeat Luis Nery, while Inoue successfully defended his undisputed super bantamweight title against former IBF champion TJ Doheny, securing the win with a body shot. Now, Inoue’s next challenge is Goodman.
Goodman Confident Ahead of Showdown With Naoya Inoue
During a press conference, Goodman, known for his skill and high activity in the ring, called his upcoming fight with Inoue “the opportunity of a lifetime.” Speaking from Australia, he vowed to be fully prepared, stating,
“But I’m not coming all the way to Tokyo to lie down and get beat like a lot of fighters have.” He also criticized Inoue’s team for overlooking him, noting that they are already planning Inoue’s next fight in the U.S. next year, further fueling his motivation.
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This fight promises to be exciting for boxing fans. On the undercard, WBO bantamweight champion Yoshiki Takei looks to continue his successful year against an unknown opponent, while welterweight Jin Sasaki, ranked in the top five by all four sanctioning bodies, faces Shoki Sakai. The undercard features mostly Japanese fighters, adding to the excitement.
Also Read: How Many Belts Does Naoya Inoue Hold After Defeating TJ Doheny?
