Goodman cracks Flores. (Photograph by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Photographs)
Australian junior featherweight contender Sam ‘The Ghost’ Goodman can have yet another hit-out earlier than difficult undisputed 122-pound world champion Naoya Inoue later this 12 months.
The undefeated 25-year-old from Albion Park in New South Wales will face fellow unbeaten Chainoi Worawut of Thailand on the WIN Leisure Centre in Wollongong on July 10.
The struggle just isn’t with out its dangers. Goodman (18-0, 8 knockouts), who’s ranked the primary contender to Inoue’s crown by each the IBF and WBO, will see one million greenback payday with the Japanese phenom evaporate in entrance of his eyes if he loses to the 26-year-old Worawut.
“I’m a playing man. I’ve obtained to roll the cube. I’m going all in once more,” The Ring’s quantity 4 ranked junior featherweight contender stated on the official press convention on Wednesday to announce the bout.
Goodman was ringside for Inoue’s six-round destruction of Mexican southpaw Luis Nery (35-2, 27 KOs) on the Tokyo Dome in Japan on Could 6. He managed to make his manner into the ring after the struggle to problem Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs) face-to-face.
“It was a loopy expertise. We hustled our manner ringside, we yelled out at him and we ended up within the ring. It was good. I’m on his radar and he’s clearly on mine,” stated Goodman.
“I’ve obtained a job to do right here in July however make no mistake, after this one I’ll be sitting out and ready for my shot.
“I do know what prepares me finest for that chance [against Inoue]. I’ve obtained to remain lively, I’ve obtained to remain busy and I would like one other check at that world degree earlier than I tackle Inoue.
“It’s the plan my group has give you. I belief in my group, I belief of their course of and their plans. It’s about placing me in the absolute best spot not simply to struggle the Monster, however to beat him. That’s what we’re going to do.
“I’ve obtained loads in entrance of me and I can’t slip up right here. I’m going to do a job on this man, get him out of there and on to the following one.”
Requested why he would danger a seven-figure payday by taking this struggle, Goodman replied: “I didn’t get on this sport to turn out to be a millionaire once I was 10 years previous. It’s all good and I wish to receives a commission on the finish of it, however it’s about placing me in the perfect place to win these world titles.
“My group consider one other hit-out at world degree and one other powerful check, simply getting in there and competing once more, that’s what it’s about. Getting in there, staying lively and getting busy.
“This can be my final struggle earlier than the Monster. After this struggle and even now, the whole lot I do is pushing me in direction of these world titles. It’s with that finish aim in thoughts, this man is simply an impediment in entrance of me. I can’t slip up. I’ve obtained to have full deal with him. However I do know what lies forward, so I’m not taking him flippantly. That is the whole lot for me.”
Worawut (25-0-1, 15 KOs) is little identified exterior of his homeland, however he reportedly had 200-odd Muay Thai fights and comes from a fight sports activities household. The WBC ranks him at quantity eight on the idea of a regional belt however the one recognizable identify on his ledger is a nicely previous his prime Panya Uthok.
Nonetheless, Thailand is understood for producing powerful, rugged warriors who’re able to springing the upset if their extra favored opponent is underprepared.
Goodman says whereas he respects Worawut as a boxer; he simply feels he’s a bit higher than him in most classes.
“He’s a reputable opponent, he’s world ranked and he’s undefeated for a motive,” he stated. “Early on I may need to suss him out slightly bit, however from what I’ve seen of him, I’ve obtained greater than sufficient to deal with this bloke.”
