Sam’s Sacrifice: Goodman giving up big-money payday on Tszyu undercard to prepare for Naoya Inoue challenge

‘Mr Mandatory’ Sam Goodman isn’t taking any risks when it comes to his long-awaited world title shot. Even if it means giving up a spot on Tim Tszyu’s undercard.

Sam Goodman is eyeing up a shot at super-bantamweight king Naoya Inoue. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Aussie boxer Sam Goodman will sacrifice hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the chance to fight in front of a streaming audience of millions on Tim Tszyu’s Florida undercard in October, so he can prepare for Naoya Inoue in December.

The popular fighter will also tap into former two-time world champion ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter for help organising high-level sparring in Las Vegas in preparation.

‘Mr Mandatory’, Goodman is the number one contender for the WBO and IBF super-bantamweight titles.

WATCH NAOYA INOUE VS TJ DOHENY ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 | ORDER NOW WITH MAIN EVENT AND KAYO SPORTS

The Albion Park local will be watching Inoue closely tonight as the Japanese superstar defends the undisputed super-bantamweight titles against Irish-Australian TJ Doheny in Tokyo.

The 27-year-old Goodman will get the next crack at Inoue in a fight that has been slated to take place in Japan in December, provided ‘The Monster’ gets past Doheny tonight.

Devastating puncher Naoya Inoue. Picture: Top Rank

TJ Doheny challenges Inoue tonight. Picture: Top Rank

Goodman, who most recently fought in July, could have had a tune-up fight before then, but didn’t want to risk injury derailing his chance to take down Inoue.

“I’ve waited long enough for my shot at Inoue. I’m next,” Goodman told this masthead. “I pulled out of getting a spot on Tim’s undercard in Florida and I’ve given up a big payday and plenty of exposure.

“My next fight will be for the titles.”

Tszyu’s fight with Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super-welterweight world title is a non-pay-per-view card and will be broadcast to a potential 160 million sets of eyeballs via streaming giant Amazon Prime.

Goodman injured his hand in his win over Chainoi ‘Rockman’ Worawut in July. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Instead of getting on that card, Goodman will dive into an intense training camp in preparation for the biggest fight of his life against the undefeated Inoue.

Goodman will spend most of his camp in Australia at his training base on the Central Coast with coaches Joel Keegan and Luke Phipps.

He will also travel to America for several weeks to get the best sparring in the world.

That includes either a trip to pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford’s camp in Colorado, or a stay in Las Vegas.

In Vegas, Porter will facilitate Goodman sparring rising star Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington.

A 12-0 featherweight, Carrington is one of Top Rank’s hottest prospects and is considered a future world champion.

Tim Tszyu attempts to become a two-time world champion in October. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Goodman’s team struck a deal with Porter when the American was in Sydney last week for Nikita Tszyu’s war with Koen Mazoudier.

Goodman was the target for plenty of criticism for taking a fight with Chainoi ‘Rockman’ Worawut in July, but says that fight, and Inoue’s defence against Doheny – who is popular in Japan – were set in stone months ago.

“I’ve copped backlash for not fighting Inoue now, but Inoue had an agreement to fight TJ in September,” he said. “I’ve already beaten TJ, and Inoue is next.”

When is Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny?

Naoya Inoue fights TJ Doheny in Tokyo tonight.

How to watch Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny?

The fights are being shown on pay-per-view on Main Event and Kayo Sports. 

How much is Inoue vs Doheny?

The fight costs $49.95.

What time is Inoue vs Doheny?

The action gets underway at (AEST) 4:30pm

What belts are Inoue and Doheny fighting for?

Inoue’s WBO, WBC, IBF and The Ring Magazine titles are all on the line.

Inoue vs Doheny undercard

Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny - IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine super bantamweight titles

Yoshiki Takei vs Diago Higa - WBO bantamweight title

Ismael Barroso vs Andy Hiraoka - interim WBA super lightweight title

Jin Sasaki vs Qamil Balla - welterweight

Toshiki Shimomachi def. Ryuya Tsugawa via UD 10 (97-92, 96-93, 96-93) - Super Bantamweights

Originally published as Sam’s Sacrifice: Goodman giving up big-money payday on Tszyu undercard to prepare for Naoya Inoue challenge