Boxing: “Monster” Inoue confident ahead of postponed bout vs. Goodman
Undisputed super bantamweight boxing world champion Naoya Inoue said Wednesday that the one-month postponement of his title match against Sam Goodman to Jan. 24 has further improved his condition.
The postponement was announced just 10 days before their scheduled Christmas Eve bout in Tokyo after the Australian challenger sustained a cut above his left eye during a sparring session.
“I’m in the best shape now,” the Japanese star told a media pool. “The postponement by a month has helped me get my feel and focus right.”
Inoue, nicknamed “Monster,” revealed he was first informed the match was canceled.
“I was surprised because it was only 10 days before the fight. But I knew I could focus on the next step whether the bout was postponed or canceled,” the 31-year-old said.
Inoue, who boasts a 28-0 record with 25 knockouts, has continued to train at the same level and maintained his weight for the bout.
Asked if he will try to exploit Goodman’s injury, Inoue said, “It’s a fight, so it’s natural to do that. That’s a big weak point for him and can be my key to victory.”
