Sam Goodman looks to remain undefeated heading into 2022, but will meet a tough test in the form of Filipino veteran Richie Mepranum - Photo: Tapology
At just 23 years of age, the boxing world is seemingly at the feet of Sam Goodman (9-0, 5 KOs). After nine professional contests to date, he is both undefeated and has been seemingly untouched.
In fact, every time Goodman has graced the canvas, his feet have stood one step ahead of opponents, such is their education. His hands have outpointed reflexes, such is their speed. His head, too far away for heavy attacks, such is his command of distance.
Though this description may make it seem that boxing comes naturally to the Wollongong native, it is itself disingenuous. Under the watchful eye of coach Joel Keegan, he has honed his skillset and committed to the craft throughout countless hours of training.
This may be his greatest trait, one greater than the aforementioned in-ring qualities. That is a sometimes untameable hunger, one that is driving him to chase Super Bantamweight fame.
“I’ve had the reigns held back and told to settle down because I’m a bit gung-ho,” Goodman told The Inner Sanctum.
“I want to go after the regional titles and good opponents.”
Each bout so far has heralded a series of tests, all of which have been passed with flying colours, as reflected by dominant wins over Daniel Carr (3-7, 1 KO) and Nort Beauchamp (19-5, 3 KOs) earlier in 2021.
Now, he will gear up for a showdown with veteran Filipino southpaw, Richie Mepranum (36-8-1, 11 KOs) on night two of No Limit Boxing’s Xmas Bash event in Sydney.
The 10 round affair will not only serve as a step up in competition but a chance to claim the WBO Oriental Super Bantamweight title and hopefully break into the rankings of a governing body for the first time.
Without doubt his toughest opponent yet, Goodman is fully aware of the magnitude of the contest and believes he is well equipped to turn in another high-level performance.
“Preparations have been excellent. It’s been easily my best prep yet. I know it’s a cliché in boxing, but it really has,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s the first regional title I get to capture and I’m definitely going to be taking home the gold.
“It’s a big step up, I’m aware of that, but I think I’m going to go in there and do an absolute demolition job on him.”
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Moreover, there is a promotional element that is spurring the bright prospect into battle.
As is the case in all professional sports, gaining popularity among fans is pertinent to career success. Boxing might provide the greatest example of this, as fighters strive to build a platform worthy of the audience’s time and energy.
In Australia, some fighters on the domestic scene may receive a unique leg-up, however, by way of cross-over stars.
Headlining the event will be Paul Gallen (11-1-1, 6 KOs) and Darcy Lussick (1-0, 1 KO), two athletes who will bring with them the gaze of those who have followed their exploits in the rugby league world.
While this may draw the ire of some boxing fans, the value of celebrity appeal is not lost on those participating in the sport. For Goodman, there is hope that the extra attention on the card will trickle down to the lesser-known boxers fighting underneath the main event.
“You’ve got to take it for what it is,” he surmised.
“I understand that a lot of these boys have already got a platform and I’ve got to build mine.
“It’s a good step, a lot of good people with a big profile on the card and a lot of eyes. That’s just more eyes on me and gives me an opportunity to build on my profile.
“There will come a time where I’m going to be pushing for that main event status. I want to be up there in the future and I’ll be constantly working towards that. But at the moment, I know where I’m at and where my profile’s at. It does have to grow to get to there.
“I love it. The bigger the show, the better I go and the more I want to perform. I’m grateful I get that opportunity and I’m going to take it with both hands.”
Indeed, both hands will be needed if he is to beat Mepranum, a fighter who has no doubt seen all styles during his 45 professional contests and three attempts at World title glory.
Full of respect for the challenge he faces, the New South Welshman is equally confident in his ability to solve the puzzle.
To this end, Goodman believes he is prepared to not only achieve victory but ensure his name is talked about amongst the country’s best up and coming talent in 2022 and beyond.
“I’ll be putting the pressure on early, finding my range pretty quickly and once I do that, I think it’s a matter of time,” he concluded.
“I think I make him miss a lot early on. Once I establish my range and start finding him, I think I stop him through the middle rounds.
“He’s a tricky southpaw with a good backhand, but I don’t think it will take too long for me to figure him out and work out all of his awkward movements to capitalise on them.
“I’m 100 percent ready for this.”
Sam Goodman vs Richie Mepranum is part of night two of No Limit Boxing’s Xmas Bash on Wednesday, December 22, and can be ordered via Main Event, here.
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