Sam Goodman Withdraws from Naoya Inoue Clash – Replacement Named

Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) was due to defend his titles against Sam Goodman (19-0, 8 KOs) at the Ariake Arena on December 24 before the Australian sustained an eye injury in sparring. It has now been revealed that Goodman has suffered a recurrence of his eye injury ruling him out of the rescheduled January 24 date. The fight card in Japan will move ahead with the “Monster” now facing Ye Joon Kim (21-2-2, 13 KOs).

Naoya Inoue Next Fight: Sam Goodman Withdraws, Replacement Confirmed

Sam Goodman Forced to Withdraw Due to Recurrence of Eye Injury

The statement from Goodman’s promoter read: “No Limit Boxing regrets to announce that Sam Goodman has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Naoya Inoue on January 24 due to a recurrence of his eye injury.”

“We wish Sam a full and speedy recovery and will provide updates on the event in due course.”

Dan Rafael has revealed via his Fight Freaks Unite Substack that Goodman’s team insists their fighter has been cautious with the previously cut area. Still, the unbeaten Australian was caught again in the same spot, and it opened up, leaving him “shattered” to withdraw again. Rafael further reveals that Goodman will need plastic surgery and will be sidelined for several months.

The new opponent Ye Joon Kim is ranked just outside the top 10 of the WBO. The South Korean fighter lost to Rob Diezel in 2023, but has won both fights since then, but has never mixed anywhere near the level of Inoue.

Naoya Inoue Next Fight: The Future for Inoue

The “Monster” never seems like a fighter who will overlook another fighter. It is expected he will have far too much power and skill for his South Korean opponent.

Looking ahead to what’s next for the Japanese star, a fight against Alan Picasso seems most likely. However, many are hoping for a Japanese super fight, with Inoue potentially facing the dangerous and unbeaten Junto Nakatani.