The boxing community is abuzz with discussions following the unfortunate news about Sam Goodman’s recent injury, which has led to his withdrawal from the highly anticipated match against unified super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue. A cut above his eye sustained during a sparring session has pushed back this exciting fight from its scheduled date of December 24th to January 24th, much to the disappointment of fans who were eager to witness an event during the festive season. Inoue, who has built a reputation for his explosive performances, communicated the change via social media, ensuring that the news reached fans swiftly.
Sam Goodman, despite being the mandatory challenger for the IBF title and boasting an undefeated record of 19-0, is widely viewed as a significant underdog in this matchup. This perception is largely due to Inoue’s proven track record, which includes a remarkable 28 wins and only 25 knockouts, showcasing his power and skill in the ring. While Goodman is a solid fighter, many observers express skepticism over his ability to compete at the same level as “The Monster,” raising questions about the potential outcome when they finally meet later in January.
The delay in the Goodman-Inoue fight means that fans will have to wait longer for this particular showdown. However, the Christmas and New Year period will not be entirely devoid of boxing action. Japan is set to host several fights during this festive season. Notably, on December 30th, fans can look forward to Ryan Garcia’s match against Rukiya Anpo in a 153-pound catch-weight bout in Tokyo. While there are doubts regarding the fight’s completion, it remains on the schedule, creating a glimmer of hope for boxing aficionados.
Moreover, the rematch between Fernando Martinez and Kazuto Ioka on New Year’s Eve is another enticing event. This fight, which revisits the drama of their July clash – where Martinez snatched the WBA junior bantamweight title from Ioka – promises to be another thrilling encounter, and many believe it has serious potential to be named Fight of the Year.
Following his upcoming bout with Goodman, Inoue will likely aim to return to the United States for future fights, with speculation suggesting Las Vegas as a probable venue. This journey could pave the way for an epic showdown against Junto Nakatani, another prominent Japanese boxer. Such a fight would not only be a significant chapter in Inoue’s career but would also capture the interest of boxing fans globally.
While the postponement of the Inoue-Goodman fight is undoubtedly disappointing, it opens the door for other boxing events during a period typically quiet for the sport. As both fighters cope with the delay, fans can still look forward to an electrifying start to the new year with bouts scheduled across Japan. As the saying goes, “S**t happens,” and in boxing, it often leads to unexpected twists that keep the sport exciting.