Australian boxer Sam Goodman has reignited his career with a commanding unanimous points victory over Mexican fighter Cesar Vaca at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. This win not only solidifies Goodman's unbeaten record to 20-0 but also positions him for a potential world title shot in the US.

Goodman's team is now pushing for him to be the mandatory challenger to face Naoya Inoue, the top-ranked IBF super-bantamweight fighter. This opportunity comes after a series of unfortunate events that saw Goodman's previous attempts to fight Inoue derailed by injuries.

The Road to Redemption

Goodman's journey to this pivotal moment has been fraught with challenges. In December, a $1 million bout with Inoue was postponed due to a training injury. The rescheduled January fight was also canceled when Goodman reopened a cut over his left eye, requiring surgery. These setbacks put Goodman in financial jeopardy, with the risk of losing his newly purchased home.

The Fight Night

Despite entering the ring with a lot at stake, Goodman delivered a dominant performance. He sustained cuts around both eyes but managed to navigate the fight smartly, securing a decisive victory with scores of 99-92, 99-91, and 100-90 from the judges.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Goodman is back on track towards a world title. His team is exploring the possibility of featuring him on the same card as his stablemate Tim Tszyu's anticipated rematch with Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas this summer. A world title fight against Inoue would be a well-deserved opportunity for Goodman to showcase his skills on the global stage.

Goodman expressed his relief and determination after the fight, stating, 'It was all about being smart the whole fight and getting that momentum back on the road to world titles.'