Boxing
Sam Goodman Rolls the Dice Against Chainoi Worawut as December Fight with Naoya Inoue Approaches
Published
5 months agoon
By
J. HumzaJunior featherweight title challenger Sam “The Ghost” Goodman will risk his mandatory fight against undisputed 122-pound champion Naoya Inoue when he faces tough Thai Chainoi “The Rockman” Worawut at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Novel South Wales, Australia, next Wednesday night.
The fight is a matter of life and death for Goodman. A loss for the 25-year-old Australian at Albion Park would see him at the back of the queue; a win would see him retain his position.
So why fight?
“It was always in the cards and it looked like there was a chance I could fight for a world title. That’s more or less the reason,” Goodman (18-0, 8 KOs) told The Ring
“As you’ve seen over the last 12 months, I like to stay vigorous. I train all year round. And after my last fight, I thought it would be another good test, to fight someone who is world class and get back out there with a world class opponent before I face the likes of Inoue.”
Goodman has always had a busy schedule. Other than the first year of COVID-19 in 2020, he has boxed at least three times a year throughout his career. Last year, he picked up the gloves four times, defeating Ring-ranked contenders Ra’eese Aleem (20-1, 12 KOs) and TJ Doheny (26-4, 20 KOs) and claiming the scalps of Miguel Flores (25-5-1, 12 KOs) and Zhong Liu (19-1, 7 KOs), all by decision.
In this sport, activity matters.
“It’s not about getting worse or anything like that, it’s just building and building on what I’ve done and hitting challenging before I get to the biggest fight of my life. That’s what it’s all about,” said The Ring’s No. 4-ranked junior featherweight contender, who is coming off a fourth-round knockout of Mark Schleibs in March.
“It’s another good, tough test; to get through it and pass with distinction, and then move on to the most vital fight of my life.”
Bangkok’s Worawut, also known as Thachtana Luangphon (25-0-1, 15 KOs), won’t be flying to Australia just for a free vacation and a packet of cream cookies. The seasoned former Thai boxer has a powerful right hook and a jarringly tiny left hook, weapons the 27-year-old will look to utilize against Goodman in his first boxing fight outside his home country.
“He doesn’t have the bad eye and he’s pretty composed there as well,” Goodman said of his opponent. “He’s pretty tranquil, but I don’t think he’s had too much adversity in his career. I think I have more than enough skills to frustrate anyone in this division. Not just to frustrate them, but to really make them wonder what they’re doing in the ring. I think there’s a lot of things I can take advantage of.”
“I think my strength will be controlling the pace of the fight and where it takes place.”
In a recent interview with Wasim Mather for this website, Worawut spoke about Goodman’s skills as a boxer.
“Sam Goodman is a good fighter with quick footwork. He’s always waiting for a counterattack and has a great lead hand,” he said.
“It’s like another fight. I’ve been training 100% for over two months. My goal is to fight Inoue; that’s my dream, but first I have to win the fight with Goodman.”
Both boxers enter the fight with enormous pressure, and the winner will be able to count on the biggest prize in the lighter weight classes.
“Beating me will change the course of Worawut’s career,” Goodman said. “I’m aware of that. Like I said before, I’m just focused on myself and what I need to do.
“I don’t really care what he thinks or any of the pressure he puts on himself. I just focus on getting the job done and doing it well. That’s where my head is right now.”
“I’m not thinking about it too much. I’m just enjoying fight week again, fighting a guy in my hometown, which could be my last fight here for a while, but who knows? I’m just enjoying everything that comes with it. But I’m pretty focused on this fight. I’m in the best shape of my career and I’ve done everything right, so I’m not taking any risks.”
Japanese superstar Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs), the No. 2 boxer in the world according to The Ring magazine regardless of weight class, is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
The 31-year-old from Yokohama is expected to return in September, with the resurgent left-hander Doheny considered a potential opponent. The 37-year-old Irishman, who lives in Australia, has successfully built a profile for himself in Japan, notching three straight knockout wins over solid opponents over the past year.
Speaking to In slow May, Inoue’s American co-promoter, Bob Arum, expanded the plan for the 122-pound world champion.
“The plan is for Inoue to fight again in Japan in September. And then, depending on how everything goes there, he will fight again at the end of the year, maybe in Riyadh,” the Top Rank boss said.
“Both Sam Goodman and the Irishman (Doheny) are great opponents. I had a chance to talk to Sam briefly this week in Tokyo and I was very impressed with his attitude. So whether he’ll fight Inoue in September or December, I don’t know.
“But he will definitely fight Inoue this year.”
Goodman knows what he is risking by facing Worawut, but believes he will be in better shape when he faces Inoue in five months.
“That’s the plan. Our plan has always been to fight him in December. That’s what we’re working towards. Everything I’ve done this year is a stepping stone toward that ultimate goal,” Goodman said.
“That’s on my mind and it motivates me every day. It’s close, but there’s still a lot of work to do. And it starts July 10th. I’ve got one more guy to deal with, and once I deal with him, I’ll be fully focused on the December date.”
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Boxing
The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena
Published
23 hours agoon
November 23, 2024In a clash of forces between two world title contenders, NABO welterweight titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-0, 16 KO) will put his skills to the test against undefeated knockout and NABF welterweight titleholder Raul “El Cugar “. Curiel (15-0, 13 KO).
The 10-round main event will take place on Saturday, December 14, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
“‘The best versus the best’ is Golden Boy’s mantra and that’s what fans will see as Rocha and Curiel take on everything that’s on the table,” said President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Rocha is a veteran whose goal is to win the world title, Curiel is an undefeated blue-chip prospect with huge potential. It’s really a 50/50 fight and I’m looking forward to it.”
Tickets for the Rocha vs. match Curiel will go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service fees. A confined number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboy.com or at the Toyota Arena box office from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00
“I’ve seen Raul Curiel all these years and he never once mentioned my name,” Alexis Rocha said. “After my last defeat, he suddenly became interested in fighting me. If he thinks I’ve lost a step or somehow had an simple fight, he’s in for a rude awakening. I can’t wait to make a statement and show the world what I’m capable of.”
Santa Ana, California Rep. Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a struggling family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at the age of 14 in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world by becoming a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made his professional debut in March 2016, defeating Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Since then, he has amassed an enviable record of powerful knockouts over top contenders and plans to return to world title contention, with his last fight being a victory over undefeated Santiago Dominguez on July 19 last year.
“The fans can expect a war,” said Raul Curiel. “I’m going to prepare well to put on a great show. This will be the most essential fight of my career so far. I know Alexis is a great fighter, a good opponent and will also show up prepared. My focus is on Alexis and if I can beat him, I know it will give me a chance to fight for the world championship.
Boxing
George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team
Published
2 days agoon
November 23, 2024Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.
Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.
The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.
Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.
The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.
“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.
“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.
“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”
Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.
“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].
Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.
“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.
Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.
“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.
Boxing
Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul
Published
3 days agoon
November 21, 2024One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.
WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.
Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.
“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.
“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.
“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.
He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”
Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.
Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.
Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.
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