Danny Green and Anthony Mundine both back Sam Goodman to become a world champion

They took part in the most keenly anticipated domestic boxing match ever, but Danny Green and Anthony Mundine are right behind this rising star.

Anthony Mundine (L) and Danny Green (R) have had a long-running rivalry. Picture: Getty Images.

It might not happen often, but Danny Green and Anthony Mundine are finally on the same page.

Despite their 20 year rivalry, the pair of Australian boxing greats are both convinced Sam Goodman will become a world champion as soon as next year.

The 16-0 Goodman takes the next step on his journey to the top at the Star Casino in Sydney against Zhong Liu (19-0) this Friday night.

It caps off a busy year for the 25-year-old, who has fought four times since early March, and sets him up to make a run at super bantamweight gold in 2024.

“I think he’s going to be a world champion. I’m confident of that,” Green told this masthead. “He’s skillful, disciplined, he’s a very sharp boxer, great skills and great fundamentals.

Sam Goodman (R) has had a busy year, most recently fighting on Tim Tszyu’s undercard in October. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“He punches in high volume, he’s very accurate, he has great head movement and he’s a very skillful guy.”

Mundine, who plans to be ringside on Friday night, has kept an eye on Goodman over the last few years.

“I’ve been watching him develop, and he’s on the right track, man,” Mundine told this masthead. “He’s got all the skill and talent to take it to the next level.

“Now it’s just a matter of getting the right fights and winning them.

“It’s every fighter’s dream to become a world champion and that’s what I’m expecting from him.”

Green (L) and Mundine (R) both predict Goodman will follow them in becoming a world champion. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Goodman’s team expects him to contend for world titles within the next 12 months. The Albion Park local could even fight for the undisputed super bantamweight title if future Hall of Famer Naoya Inoue moves up to featherweight in 2024.

With a potential world title shot so close to Goodman’s grasp, Mundine has just one piece of advice.

“Just keep your head down and arse up,” he said. “Focus on the goal, be obsessed in obtaining what you want out of the sport and keep working on the craft and the fundamentals.

“Then it’s just a matter of when.

“Have that mindset at every session, every meal and the dream will become a reality.”

Goodman fights Zhong Liu in Sydney on Friday. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Green, who won his first world title after 18 fights, says Goodman still hasn’t reached his potential as a fighter either.

“He’s still got room to grow and improve – not much – but he does,” he said. “Winning a world title will give him even more confidence and make him an even better fighter and tougher opponent.

“He’ll have that strut that he’s a champion and all that hard work and discipline over the years would’ve paid off.

“When he does win a world title, he’s going to become an even better fighter.”

Originally published as Danny Green and Anthony Mundine both back Sam Goodman to become a world champion