Inoue vs Goodman official for Dec. 24 in Tokyo

Fighting

2024 will officially be Naoya Inoue’s first three-fight year since 2017, as Top Rank announced that he’ll face IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman on December 24th at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

Inoue (28-0, 25 KO) opened the year by getting off the canvas to flatten Luis Nery, satisfying Japan’s long-held grudge against the former bantamweight titlist. Rather than jump right into a mandatory defense against Goodman (19-0, 8 KO), who’d edged out Ra’eese Aleem in a final eliminator last year but wound up breaking his hand in a decision over Chainoi Worawut, “The Monster” took a detour against TJ Doheny and scored another violent finish.

Goodman is a very solid fighter, both skilled and super active, but he suffers from the same flaw as so many of his super bantamweight contemporaries: not being Naoya Inoue.

As for the rest of the card, WBO bantamweight champ Yoshiki Takei (10-0, 8 KO) looks to continue a banner year against TBA and welterweight Jin Sasaki (18-1-1, 17 KO), who sits in all four sanctioning bodies’ top fives, stays busy against Shoki Sakai (29-14-3, 15 KO).

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Holiday Fight Night 3 — Popular flyweight Andy Dominguez returns to Sony Hall in eight-rounder
‘He’s not a big puncher’: Bohachuk reflects on fight with Ortiz, talks Madrimov withdrawal
Holiday Fight Night 3 — Terell Bostic looks to keep the hot streak alive
Wilfred benitez: a legend in need
Holiday Fight Night 3 — Hard-hitting Scoby encounters veteran opponent in eight-rounder on December 17

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *