Goodman Defeats Nishda For The IBF Interim Title
Australian Sam Goodman defeated Ryosuke Nishida by unanimous decision (116-110, 115-109, 114-111) to win the interim IBF junior featherweight title. Following a thrilling battle that could emerge as a Fight of the Year candidate, Goodman will undoubtedly pursue a showdown with undisputed champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue.
AN ALL-ACTION BATTLE
Goodman (23-1, 8 KOs) swarmed his opponent with volume punching, while the southpaw Nishida (11-2, 2 KOs) fired powerful left hands. Cut early and bleeding throughout, Goodman marched forward, targeting the midsection of the taller Japanese fighter.
Nishida landed his share of hard punches, the Aussie ultimately outworked him, particularly on the inside. The only real low point was referee Deon Duarte questionable point deductions against both fighters disrupted the action.
WILL GOODMAN GET ANOTHER SHOT AT INOUE?
Goodman was understandably ecstatic about winning on enemy territory. In December 2024 and January 2025, he was scheduled to face Inoue but withdrew on both occasions after suffering cuts during training.
Now, having worked his way back into contention, he has another opportunity to pursue the fight he has wanted for nearly two years.
Unfortunately, the chances of securing the match-up appear limited. Inoue reportedly plans to fight only once more at 122 pounds before moving up.
While Goodman has earned the right to pursue the undisputed champion, time could be running out.
After impressively overcoming Nishida, Goodman has given himself another opportunity to make his dream matchup a reality. Whether Inoue grants him that opportunity remains to be seen.
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