Aussie legend’s fight-day pep talk as Goodman faces date with destiny in Tokyo — Boxing LIVE

Australia has a new world champion, with Sam Goodman claiming super bantamweight gold in Tokyo, Japan.

The popular Wollongong fighter flipped his usual script with an aggressive attitude in his bout with former champion Ryosuke Nishida, proving enough to give him the win via unanimous decision (114-111, 115-110, 116-109) and the interim IBF belt.

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Goodman made a very aggressive start, stepping around the southpaw’s lead foot and getting his combos away before Nishida could settle into range.

He was happy to throw first and move, forcing the Japanese fighter to reset rather than allowing him to dictate the pace. He was also more than happy to fight in the pocket.

Nishida worked his way into the contest through the middle rounds. His straight left began to find a home, and he had success whenever he could hold his ground and make Goodman exchange.

But Goodman kept finding a way to wrest back control and land the more damaging shots.

The South African referee took a point from each fighter in a chaotic eighth round, penalising Goodman for a headbutt before docking Nishida for a low blow just seconds later.

Nishida lost another point for a low blow in the tenth and was warned again in the 11th.

Both men had their spells down the stretch. Goodman, though, finished strongly enough to leave the judges with a clear picture of his work.

After 12 rounds in his opponent’s backyard, he heard the decision he had waited years for.

“Im feeling unbelievable,” said Goodman.

“This ain’t just mine, this is everyone’s.

“Nishida was a tough champion. He brought the best out of me.

“Japan has been so hospitable, I’d love to come back and fight again.”

Aussie champions past and present were quick to send their regards.

“The amount of guts and passion he brought into every minute was unbelievable,” said Tim Tszyu.

Aussie boxing legend Danny Green was over the moon. “Sam Goodman. What an epic performance. Wow...

“Sammy Goodman was f**king outstanding!”

It was a win made sweeter by where it happened.

Goodman had spoken during fight week about following the path of Lionel Rose, who beat Fighting Harada in Tokyo in 1968, and Johnny Famechon, who later defended his featherweight title against Harada in Japan.

Andrew Moloney also won a world title on Japanese soil earlier this year.

Now Goodman can add his name to that Australian roll call.

Goodman AND Nishida docked points | 01:07

“I’m well aware of our history and the fighters who have come before me and done the job over here,” Goodman told Fox Sports Australia before the fight.

“I’m looking to do the same as guys like Lionel Rose and Johnny Famechon.”

The result ends a frustrating wait for the 27-year-old, whose first two dates with Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue both fell apart after cuts suffered in sparring.

Goodman finally got another shot at a world title against Nick Ball last year, only to lose a unanimous decision in a fight that was much more competitive than two of the scorecards suggested. The dream, he admitted, briefly felt further away than ever.

That made the wait for the verdict against Nishida another tense one. Goodman had travelled to the Japanese fighter’s home country, faced him over the championship distance and once again left his fate with three judges.

This time, his hand was raised.

Goodman had insisted all week that he was looking forward, rather than dwelling on the Inoue setbacks or the Ball defeat. He said becoming a world champion was the reason he had stayed in the sport through it all. In Tokyo, with his travelling supporters cheering him on, he finally got his reward.

The victory also brings the prospect of an even bigger fight into focus. The interim title puts Goodman in line to face Inoue, the man he was twice scheduled to meet before those bouts collapsed.

When asked about the prospect of fighting Inoue, Goodman replied: “If it’s him then bring it on, there’s so many big fights here and he’s the biggest... I welcome any challenges.”

He joins Jai Opetaia, Liam Paro and Andrew Moloney as Australia’s fourth active male world champion.