NAOYA INOUE will battle for the third time in 2024 when he defends his undisputed super-bantamweight crown in opposition to Sam Goodman on December 24.
Boxing close to the tip of the 12 months or on New Yr’s Eve has change into an annual custom in Japan and followers will little question pack out the Ariake Area in Tokyo to observe their famous person on Christmas Eve.
With an ideal document of 28 wins in 28 fights Inoue can be considered one of boxing’s most fearsome punchers with 25 opponents failing to listen to the ultimate bell.
Goodman brings his personal unbeaten slate to the desk with 19 wins however with solely eight of them inside the space. The severity of Goodman’s job is there for all to see and for the primary time in his profession the Albion Park fighter will compete out of his homeland.
The 26-year-old holds strong factors wins over TJ Doheny and Ra’eese Aleem, each in 2023, and this 12 months the Aussie recorded victories over Mark Schleibs and Thachtana Luangphon.
Inoue lit up the Tokyo Dome in Could recovering from a knockdown to halt Luis Nery in six rounds and final month put Doheny to the sword in seven.
WBO bantamweight titlist Yoshiki Takei is the primary fighter introduced for the undercard however his opponent is but to be named.
For Inoue, this might nicely be his finale at 122lbs, earlier than transferring as much as featherweight in 2025 the place he may go after an unprecedented third undisputed crown.
American battle followers can catch Inoue-Goodman on ESPN+. There isn’t a confirmed protection for UK followers however Sky Sports activities will possible broadcast the occasion.
