Sam Goodman’s Christmas Eve world title blockbuster against Japanese megastar Naoya Inoue in Tokyo has been postponed, after the Aussie boxer suffered a cut over his left eye in training.
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The cut occurred during an open workout session on Saturday morning, in the final spar of Goodman’s camp. He was quickly seen to as blood poured down his face.
Goodman’s promoter, Matt Rose of No Limit, confirmed to CODE Sports that the fight would be postponed once Inoue’s team was contacted.
The devastated fighter insisted that he could proceed with the bout, but was talked down by head coach Joel Keegan and manager Peter Mitrevski.
Goodman was due to fly to Japan tomorrow and was just 10 days out from the bout, meaning it was impossible to fight on despite his determination.
Reality quickly set in, with the Aussie star letting out some anguished expletives.
Goodman (19-0) was gunning for Inoue’s undisputed super bantamweight title. Both fighters are undefeated – Inoue is 28-0 – and the Australian will be desperate to regroup for his shot at the Japanese great.
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