Inoue vs. Goodman Rescheduled for January 2025

The highly anticipated boxing match between undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue and Sam Goodman has been postponed to January 24, 2025, following an injury Goodman sustained during a sparring session. Goodman, who suffered a cut above his left eye, is the IBF mandatory challenger and was set to contend for Inoue's titles on Christmas Eve. Despite concerns that Inoue might find a replacement opponent, he confirmed the match will proceed once Goodman recovers. The postponement delays Inoue's opportunity to fight three times in a calendar year for the first time since 2017. Fans and critics alike question the competitive nature of the fight, with Goodman seen as a significant underdog against Inoue, who holds a 28-0 record. Meanwhile, Inoue's future plans may involve more challenging opponents such as Murodjon Akhmadaliev or a return to American soil.