Naoya Inoue Vs. Sam Goodman Finalizing For December 24th In Tokyo

Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and #1 IBF and #1 WBO Sam Goodman are closing in on a deal to meet on Christmas Eve on December 24th in Tokyo, Japan.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) will be satisfying 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 U.S are calling for, but he’s not taking 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 unhappy with this choice of opponent for Naoya, as they feel that Goodman is another cherry-pick by the Japanese star. There are other fighters at 122 and 126 that the boxing public would prefer to see Inoue fight.

Goodman is another light puncher in the mold of past Naoya opponents TJ Doheny and Paul Butler. Fighters need power to have any chance of beating Inoue, and Goodman lacks that department.

The Australian Goodman has earned his #1 ranking with the IBF and WBO by beating these fighters:

– Miguel Flores
– TJ Doheny
– Ra’eese Aleem
– Juan Miguel Elorde
– Richie Mepranum
– Chainoi Worawut

The super bantamweight division is weak. So, it’s unsurprising that these wins have resulted in Goodman being vaulted to the top of the IBF and WBO rankings. If there were better fighters in the weight class, it’s questionable whether Goodman would have ever made it to the #1 mandatory spot.

Inoue seems to be enjoying his stay at 122-lb, as he’s not shown much desire to move up to 126 to compete with the fighters in that well-stocked weight class. That would be dangerous for Inoue because there are punchers there and fighters with size.

“Naoya Inoue and Sam Goodman are finalizing a deal for a Dec. 24 fight in Tokyo for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight championship. Inoue will fulfill another mandatory title defense, this time on Xmas Eve. Goodman is highly underrated with an exciting style,” said Mike Coppinger on X.

If Naoya wins this fight against Goodman, he could face Junto Nakatani next, provided he beats his brother Takuma Inoue.