Boxing

The unbeaten Australian aiming to topple the great Naoya Inoue in the New Year

DAZN Staff

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Sam Goodman, nicknamed 'The Ghost,' is quickly making a name for himself as one of Australia’s most promising boxing talents.

He had been scheduled to face Naoya 'The Monster' Inoue on Tuesday, in what would have been his toughest challenge yet. The two were meant to compete for Inoue's IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO belts.

But Goodman's chance to step onto the global stage has had to be postponed after he sustained a serious cut over his left eye during training.

The fight, which was due to have taken place on Christmas Eve has now been rescheduled for 24 January in Tokyo.

Ahead of that rearranged date DAZN News takes a closer look at Goodman, a rising star who's set to go toe-to-toe with one of boxing’s greatest.

Who is Sam Goodman?

Sam Goodman is a super bantamweight boxer from Albion Park, New South Wales, Australia.

Born on 4 February 1999, Goodman took up boxing at an early age, influenced by his family’s love for the sport.

He started competing as a teenager, quickly making his mark on the Australian amateur scene before transitioning to the professional ranks.

From amateur standout to pro contender

Goodman’s amateur career laid the foundation for his professional success.

As an amateur he represented Australia at numerous international tournaments, gaining valuable experience against a variety of styles. He turned professional in 2018 at the age of just 19.

His debut fight saw him defeat Dylan Atkins via a first-round TKO, a result that signalled his arrival on the scene.

Since then, Goodman has steadily climbed the ranks, establishing himself as a serious contender in the super bantamweight division.

An Impressive professional record

Goodman boasts an undefeated professional record, showcasing his skill and determination. He heads into the January showdown with Naoya boasting a record of 19-0-0 with eight of his victories by knockout.

Goodman’s wins over experienced fighters like Jason Cooper and Ra’eese Aleem have demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

His victory over Aleem, in particular, earned him the IBF Interim Super Bantamweight title, positioning him as a top contender.

Fighting style and strengths

Goodman is known for his high work rate, technical skills, and versatility in the ring.

Always looking to keep his opponents under pressure, Goodman’s ability to maintain a high tempo often overwhelms opponents.

But he is more than just an attacking machine, he is very defensively aware, combining offence with solid defensive techniques, making him a well-rounded fighter.

Goodman can also adjust his strategy mid-fight, an attribute critical for success at the elite level.

Life outside the ring

Outside of boxing, Goodman leads a grounded life, often emphasising the importance of family and community. He trains out of the Illawarra region in New South Wales, where he has built a loyal fan base.

Goodman is also a proud ambassador for Australian boxing, representing his country on the global stage with pride.

The big challenge: facing Naoya Inoue

Goodman’s fight against Naoya Inoue marks a pivotal moment in his career.

Facing a fighter widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in history is a daunting task, but Goodman remains confident in his abilities.

Inoue-Doheny_03092024 YUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images

What’s at stake

Goodman will look to maintain his undefeated record while proving he can compete at the highest level.

If he is to overcome Inoue, Goodman must rely on his work rate, resilience, and ability to stay composed under pressure.

The road ahead

Regardless of the fights’ outcome, Sam Goodman’s rise in the boxing world is a story of dedication and potential.

A win against Inoue would catapult him into superstardom, while a competitive performance would still solidify his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the sport.

As Goodman prepares to face Naoya Inoue, all eyes will be on the Australian star.

Whether he delivers an upset or earns respect through sheer grit, Goodman’s journey is definitely one to watch.

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