Boxing enthusiasts were buzzing with excitement over the anticipated face-off between Sam Goodman and Naoya Inoue scheduled for December 24th. However, a significant setback occurred when Goodman sustained a cut over his eye during a sparring session, leading to his withdrawal from the match. This unfortunate incident squashed the hopes of fans looking forward to a thrilling display of boxing skill during the holiday festivities. With Inoue taking to social media to announce the rescheduling of the bout to January 24th, fight fans must now recalibrate their anticipation for what was promised to be an enthralling encounter.
Goodman, who carries an impressive record of 19 victories without defeat, finds himself in the peculiar role of a heavy underdog against Inoue, who boasts an undefeated record of 28 wins with 25 by knockout. The boxing community recognizes Inoue as one of the most formidable talents in the sport, often dubbed “The Monster.” Even though Goodman holds the IBF mandatory challenger status, many observers are unconvinced of his ability to dethrone the champion in their upcoming clash. Nonetheless, this opportunity signifies a significant milestone for Goodman, as he prepares to take on one of boxing’s elite in Japan, undeniably a dream come true for any aspiring fighter.
Despite the disappointment regarding the Inoue-Goodman fight, boxing fans will not be left empty-handed during the holiday season. On December 30th, Ryan Garcia is slated to face Rukiya Anpo in a 153-pound catchweight bout in Tokyo. However, murmurs abound that this fight may face its own challenges in taking place, casting a shadow over what could be another exciting encounter. Additionally, New Year’s Eve promises to be electrifying, as Tokyo will host a rematch that captures considerable attention: Fernando Martinez versus Kazuto Ioka for the WBA junior bantamweight title.
Inoue, who last dominated in the ring against TJ Doheny in September, is expected to emerge victorious against Goodman, which could pave the way for more significant fights to materialize in the future. Discussions are surfacing about a colossal all-Japanese showdown between Inoue and rising star Junto Nakatani, a duel that would elevate the stakes and excitement for boxing fans both locally and internationally. Such matchups could redefine the competitive landscape in the super-bantamweight division and heighten anticipation for bouts to come.
The disappointment of the postponed fight is felt deeply by both Inoue and Goodman, as well as the fans eagerly awaiting their clash. In the realm of boxing, injuries and setbacks are lamentable but common; as Tyson Fury famously expressed, “S**t happens.” While Goodman will return, hopefully healed and prepared, Inoue will focus on maintaining his dominance within the sport. The new fight date in January now looms on the horizon, a promise of excitement to kick off the boxing calendar for 2024.