Aussie boxer Sam Goodman set for world title tilt against Japanese superstar on Christmas Eve

After many months of waiting, Australian super-bantamweight boxer Sam Goodman has booked his chance at world title glory against a Japanese superstar riding a nine fight knockout streak.

Sam Goodman can kick Christmas off in style when he takes on Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue for super-bantamweight boxing glory on December 24 in Tokyo.

After months of speculation, this masthead can reveal Goodman’s long-awaited title fight against Inoue is confirmed for Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Christmas Eve.

“Sam Goodman’s mandatory in two sanctioning bodies and he deserves his shot,” No Limit boss Matt Rose told this masthead. “He’s ready to go out and shock the world.”

Ranked number one with the IBF and WBO, Goodman is Inoue’s mandatory IBF challenger, but has been forced to wait months for his bold title tilt to be confirmed.

Goodman’s team put pen to paper weeks ago, and went into training camp in September, but the 26-year-old has been forced to wait until Inoue’s Japanese management team confirmed the fight.

Sam Goodman beat Chainoi Worawut in July. Picture: No Limit Boxing

That finally happened at a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday, with Inoue set to put his IBF, WBO, WBC, WBA and The Ring magazine titles on the line.

Goodman has fought twice this year, putting his spot as mandatory challenger at risk in wins over Mark Schleibs and Chainoi Worawut in Wollongong.

He then sacrificed a big payday to fight on Tim Tszyu’s world title card in Orlando last week so he could focus on preparing for Inoue.

Goodman was ringside for Inoue’s win over Luis Nery in May, but was accused of ducking ‘The Monster’ in favour of fight the unheralded Worawut.

“I don’t read any of the comments – if you listen to the fans, you’ll be sitting with them,” Goodman told this masthead at the time.

Inoue is one of the best fighters of this generation. Picture: Mikey Williams / Getty Images

“I was already booked in to fight Worawut in July, and it’s not the smartest thing to go and book another fight in September (against Inoue).

“So, I don’t pay attention to whatever people are saying. I know I’m at the top, and I know it’s just a matter of time before I get my shot.”

The 19-0 Goodman will be a heavy underdog against one of the best pound-for-pound boxers on the planet.

Inoue is riding a nine fight knockout streak, including wins over Aussie Jason Moloney, and world champions Nonito Donaire, Stephen Fulton and Nery.

His most recent win came in typically devastating fashion against TJ Doheny in early September.

The fight will be broadcast on Main Event and Kayo Sports via pay-per-view on Tuesday, December 24.

Originally published as Aussie boxer Sam Goodman set for world title tilt against Japanese superstar on Christmas Eve