Australia’s Liam Wilson has sensationally declared himself ready for a move up to chase a blockbuster fight with George ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos in 2024 – while undefeated star Sam Goodman is within striking distance of ‘The Monster’
Already on the cusp of world titles, both Wilson and Goodman have punched their way into potential 2024 championship blockbusters on the year’s final No Limit card at The Star, Sydney.
Branded by Jeff Fenech as the best Australian prospect not named Tim Tszyu, Goodman earned a comprehensive decision win against the previously undefeated Chinese fighter, Zhong Liu.
Wilson, meanwhile, has suggested a shock move to lightweight, and an all-Australian showdown with IBO champ Kambosos after beating Jackson England by decision.
Robbed of a world title against Mexico’s Emanuel Navarette in February, Wilson was thought to have punched his way back into a world title eliminator after beating England at The Star.
Leading into the fight, there had been suggestions the WBO would put Wilson, with a win, into a knockout tournament with the four leading super featherweights for a second shot at Navarrete.
Given the Mexican champ has also hinted at another move up in weight however, there was also talk of the two winners of the knockout tournament being pitched straight into a bout for the vacant belt in 2024.
It is understood Team Wilson have also been in talks to work into a fight WBC WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster.
Yet after earning a gutsy decision win over England, who was paying $15 to do the same on points, Wilson threw out the ultimate curve ball.
“There’s a few plans, my team’s been working behind the scenes, and I know they have some plans for me,” said the fighter who won on all three scorecards, 96-94, 96-94, 97-93.
“But if I made a Christmas list, it would be to fight George Kambosos next year.
“That’s what I want.
“I’m happy to move up to lightweight to fight him. Let’s make this fight happen.
“Let’s make an all-Australian fight happen.
“I know (Kambosos) is having problems making a fight with Lomachenko. If he can’t make that happen, I’ll move up to lightweight to fight him.”
Goodman, too, is on the cusp of a huge 2024.
Now undefeated in 17 straight fights since turning pro, the win puts ‘Mr Mandatory’ in discussions for a potential blockbuster against Japanese megastar Naoya Inoue – who will look to unify the division against Marlon Tapales on Boxing Day.
Should Inoue move up, Goodman could target either the IBF or WBO super bantamweight straps, where he is the No.1 contender.
“World titles baby,” he said afterwards. “Line them up.”
And as for his Chinese rival?
“Mate, what a puzzle he was to figure out,” said the fighter who still did exactly that, winning on all three scorecards, 119-109, 118-11, 120-108.
“He was very awkward.
“And I knew he would be tricky.
“But I went forward and landed the cleaner shots.
“I pitched shut outs all year … a win is a win. I’ve had a big year, four wins.”
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But as for Wilson versus Kambosos?
In recent weeks it has been suggested three-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and Kambosos – the former unified lightweight king – have agreed to fight in Australia next April.
It is expected to be for the vacant IBF lightweight title.
Wilson, meanwhile, was thought to be chasing a rematch with WBO champ Navarette – who, back in February, he dropped in round four, only to then watch on as the count dragged out for a staggering 27 seconds.
While the Aussie was eventually stopped, he has now won two straight since however, and remains ranked at No.2 with the WBO.
Under the WBO knockout scenario that had been discussed, Albert Bell would fight Archie Sharp and Wilson take on Puerto Rico’s Bryant Chevalier.
If Navarrete moves up in the meantime, the winners would then compete for the vacated strap.
Asked about what was next as recently as Wednesday, Wilson told Fox Sports Australia that he wanted a rematch with Navarrete.
“I want to be world champion, so the pathway for me goes through whoever has the belt,” he said.
“And right now, that’s still Navarrete.”
Think he will hang around or go?
“Has that ship sailed? It definitely feels that way,” the Aussie continued.
“They wouldn’t give me a rematch initially and it still hasn’t happened.
“But I want that fight again.
“And if it’s not Navarrete I want whoever replaces him as champion.
“I’m sitting pretty for another world title shot. I’m right there within arm’s reach.”
Pushed on Navarette, who eventually stopped Wilson back in February, he continued: “He doesn’t want the rematch.
“Most champions, they would jump at somebody like me.
“I’m relatively inexperienced.
“Still learning on the job.
“But given what I did to him – the amount of trouble I gave him – he’s well aware of what I’m capable of.
“He knows I’m a dangerous fight.
“But while it’s easy for me to say I want the rematch, he doesn’t have to give it to me.
“And that’s why I want to put him in a position where he’s forced to.
“If that means I have to fight my way there, OK, that’s what I will do.”
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