West Gosford’s own Sam Goodman is entering the biggest week of his professional career with a shot at the WBA featherweight world title and he says he’s ready to make history.
Currently training in the Dubai desert at Alpha Gym, the undefeated 20-0 (8 KOs) fighter is putting the final touches to his preparation before stepping into the ring against reigning champion Nick Ball (22-0-1, 13 KOs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on August 16.
“It’s almost crunch time, so I’m ready, I’m excited,” Goodman said.
“I’m here at Alpha Gym, out in the desert in Dubai, and I’ve been here for a couple of days now.
“(I’m) just putting the finishing touches in, and getting to fight night as best I can, and getting ready to win this world title.
“I’m ready to shock everyone who’s doubted me, and prove all the people who back me and believe in me, and helped me get here, right.”
The road to the title shot has been anything but straightforward.
Goodman was originally set to face undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue last December, but a cut above his left eye suffered in training forced a postponement.
A second cut in January, reopening the same wound, meant he missed the rescheduled bout altogether, with Inoue instead facing Ye Joon Kim.
“It would have finished most fighters – mentally, financially, and emotionally – but not Sam; he never stopped working, never stopped believing,” No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said.
“That’s why he deserves this more than anyone.”
In May, Goodman returned to the ring for the first time in 10 months, scoring a 10-round unanimous decision over Cesar Vaca Espinoza.
That win restored his momentum and proved the cut that had plagued him was fully healed and battle-tested.
“Sam Goodman is walking straight into the lion’s den,” Rose said.
“He’s going up in weight, heading into enemy territory, and facing a guy who can knock your head off, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The odds are stacked against him, and that’s exactly how he likes it.
“He thrives in this space and when he wins that world title, the world will see what we already know – Sam Goodman is the real deal and Australia’s next world champion.”
For Goodman, this fight is about much more than one belt.
“This fight means everything to me,” Goodman said.
“Some fighters go overseas chasing a payday.
“I’m chasing belts, and more than just this one.”
Rose says determination is what sets Goodman apart.
With the support of his West Gosford gym, Complete Boxing, and a loyal Central Coast fan base behind him, Goodman is aiming to bring the WBA featherweight title home.
His camp in Dubai is also allowing him to fully adjust to the time zone and conditions ahead of fight night.
“This is it,” Goodman said.
“I’ve done the hard work, I’ve overcome the setbacks, and I’m ready to take that belt.
“I’m going there to win.”
Fight fans can watch Sam Goodman’s world title bid live on DAZN PPV on August 16.
Skaie Hull
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