Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super bantamweight champion, is on the brink of receiving an offer that could see him defending his titles in Australia, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history in the country. Following his impressive victory over Stephen Fulton Jr in July 2023, Inoue has solidified his status as one of the world’s premier fighters. No Limit Boxing, based in Australia, is eager to host Inoue for a title defense against Sam Goodman, the mandatory challenger for Inoue’s IBF and WBO titles, contingent on Inoue’s successful defense against Luis Nery on May 6 at the Tokyo Dome.
George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing, emphasized the monumental nature of this potential fight for Australian boxing and sports in general. He lauded Inoue’s exceptional record and global appeal, drawing parallels between Inoue and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in terms of their international fanbases. The comparison underlines Inoue’s potential to attract a global audience to Australia, reminiscent of Pacquiao’s 2017 fight against Jeff Horn in Brisbane.
Australia’s boxing scene is on the cusp of entering its most influential era, with Tim Tszyu also making waves internationally. Rose highlighted the unique challenge Goodman presents to Inoue, describing Goodman as elusive and difficult to hit. This fight not only poses a significant opportunity for Goodman but also represents a considerable risk, as a loss in his upcoming bout against Mark Schleibs could derail his ambitions.
The potential match-up between Inoue and Goodman in Australia not only signifies a major event for Australian boxing but also aligns with the sport’s global trend of hosting high-profile bouts in new and diverse locations. As negotiations progress, the boxing world eagerly awaits confirmation of what could be a landmark event, showcasing Australia as a key player on the international boxing stage.
Image Credit: Sky Sports