Gambling Goodman bets big against Worawut

For those who didn’t already know, Sam Goodman is a gambling man. A risk taker.

In the high stakes world of boxing, the Australian’s latest move to forgo a purported $1 million payday against undisputed Super Bantamweight star Naoya Inoue and face undefeated Thai Chainoi Worawut (official name Thattana Luangphon) instead, surprised many.

It’s a bold move and usually reserved for the casinos of Las Vegas well after dark. However Goodman believes it’s an essential gamble in what he describes as “getting ready for what is to come.”

The decision to go all in is underscored by a significant obstacle standing in his way: Chainoi Worawut.

Coming from a long and proud lineage of Muay-Thai fighters, Worawut has amassed an impressive record since turning pro in 2018. He has knocked out 15 of his 26 opponents including a career-defining victory over former two-time World Champion Suriyan Satorn in 2022. His arrival in Australia, and first fight outside of his homeland, signals his own willingness to risk it all for a shot at the undisputed super bantamweight king, Inoue.

At just 25, Goodman’s decision to take on the world-number eight is a high-risk, high-reward move he believes is critical for his growth and preparation. And, of course, a potential historic upset against Inoue.

“He’s very tricky, it’s another test at world level for me,” Goodman said.

“This fight puts me in the best possible position to become undisputed champion. I need these challenges and to be put into uncomfortable situations. It’s another test and challenge for what I need to become undisputed champion.”

That position as ‘next-man-up’ was solidified in May when a spontaneous trip to Japan to watch Inoue take down Luis Nery resulted in ‘The Monster’ spotting Goodman, and his team, and welcoming him into the ring post-fight. The recognition from the pound-for-pound star boosted Goodman’s global visibility but also validated his status as a legitimate contender.

“We started in about row nine and ended up in row one. Sam We agreed that we are going to get it on this year”.

As for the critics and keyboard warriors who question his choice to risk his guaranteed shot at Inoue, especially after teasing the fans with his in-ring call out? Goodman, unsurprisingly, backs himself against all odds - and the opinion of others.

“I try not to read into it all, I’ll leave that to my team. My focus is on becoming an undisputed world champion, and my team believes taking a fight here will do that for me.

“I never started this sport for the money, I started it for the love and to become a world champion.”

“I’m going to show that I am a real threat to the undisputed title. I know that I am on their radar, and I’m keen to get it on. I have this test in front of me, and I can’t look too far ahead. Once I get this job done, then it’s onto the big one,”

For Goodman, fighting in his hometown of Wollongong is at least seeing him gamble with his own money in his own house. Returning to the city that raised him is not just about the comfort of familiar surroundings; it’s about rallying local support and giving back to those who have supported his journey to the top. Earlier this year, he knocked out Mark Schleibs in four rounds, an emphatic victory that was heard throughout the Illawarra…and well into the evening by all reports.

“It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid. It brings me great pride to bring these sorts of shows to Wollongong, and to do it back-to-back is pretty special.”

It’s why there is no doubt about the way he is playing his hand. There’s no bluff to be seen here.

This is a game of high risk and high reward, and Sam Goodman is betting big on his future. He’s all in.