Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue (28-0) will look to defend the undisputed super bantamweight title against the undefeated Sam Goodman (19-0) in Tokyo on December 24.
Inoue will be attempting his third defence of all four belts at 122-pounds against the 26-year-old Australian, having already stopped Luis Nery and TJ Doheny this year.
Inoue, 31, has won world championships in four weight classes, including becoming undisputed at super bantamweight and bantamweight, keeping him in discussions for the sport’s pound-for-pound best.
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The venue for the Chrismas Eve bout, Ariake Arena, has proved a happy hunting ground for Inoue, playing host to four out of his past five fights, all knockout wins.
A megastar in his home country, Inoue has been under pressure from some sections of the boxing public to take his talents global, particularly to the U.S., something his co-promoter Bob Arum has suggested could happen as soon as April in Las Vegas.
For what it’s worth, Inoue has already fought three times in America and once in Scotland.
Before he can satisfy those calls, he needs to turn back the challenge Goodman.
The New South Welshman earned his position as a mandatory challenger with a hard-fought June 2023 victory over fellow contender Ra’eese Aleem, while he also holds a win over Doheny.
Rather than wait for his shot, Goodman has stayed busy, racking up four more wins since being named number one contender with the IBF.
Goodman’s elusive style has proved too much for all of his opponents to date, although Inoue is a completely different kettle of fish, collecting 25 knockouts as a professional.
Can Goodman be the one to stop “The Monster” or will Inoue add yet another highlight to his vast collection?
In the co-main event, Yoshiki Takei (10-0), who holds the WBO strap at bantamweight, has been confirmed to put his title on the line against a yet-to-be-named challenger.
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