At the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Australian Sam Goodman (19-0-0, 8 KOs) defeated Thai Thatchana Luangphon (25-1-1, 15 KOs) on points despite a left hand injury, which his manager Pete Mitrevski stated was fractured during the sixth round.
The fight was more challenging than expected, with the home fighter being severely tested by his charismatic rival, who also displayed frequent disrespectful behaviors, eliciting loud disapproval from the crowd. Goodman, the official challenger to Naoya Inoue, had turned down the offer to fight the Japanese champion immediately, opting instead for a tune-up bout. This was certainly a risky decision that could have jeopardized the most lucrative purse of his career.
Despite the injury, however, the Australian managed to secure the win, convincing the three judges. The final scorecards, all in his favor, read: 119-109, 117-113, and 117-111. According to the latest reports, Inoue will first face Irishman TJ Doheny before giving Goodman his title shot. Two bouts where the “Monster” is expected to be the heavy favorite.