Naoya Inoue’s latest defense of his super bantamweight world titles has been postponed from its initial date on Christmas Eve after rival Sam Goodman suffered a sparring cut.
Japanese star Inoue, who has been undisputed in his division since defeating Marlon Tabales a year ago, will face Australian Goodman in Tokyo on Friday, January 24.
Goodman’s camp announced on Saturday that the 26-year-old suffered a cut above his left eye, with the fighter receiving four stitches after what he said on Instagram was a “freak accident.”
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Highlights of Inoue’s win over TJ Doheny in September as he remains the undisputed super bantamweight champion of the world
Goodman has won all 19 of his professional bouts, including eight by knockout, and was last in the ring in July when he beat Thailand’s Chinoy Woraut by unanimous decision.
Unbeaten Inoue, who has 25 knockouts in 28 victories and stopped TJ Doheny in his previous bout in September, said on social media: “I’m sorry to everyone who was looking forward to this. We hope you get back in action.” New appointments.
“Let’s fight at our best.”
Inoue became the undisputed bantamweight champion when he stopped Paul Butler in December 2022, before moving up in weight and continuing to dominate.
The 31-year-old knocked out Luis Nery in May this year, then scored a win over Doheny in the seventh round four months later.
The massive heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be broadcast on Saturday 21 December on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
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