AUSTRALIA’S Sam Goodman could simultaneously collapse a game of bush footy and cruel bookmakers – while wearing a chain worth $300,000 — if he goes and wins himself a world title shot in the biggest fight of his life this Sunday.
Fox Sports Australia can reveal some of the nation’s biggest sporting punters have loaded up on Goodman after he opened a $2.35 outsider for his world title eliminator against American Ra’eese Aleem.
Apart from boasting a huge support crew dubbed ‘The Mad Bunch’, the 24-year-old’s underdog status has also caught the eye of professional punters – with one bookie confirming a win for the undefeated super bantamweight “will be our worst result for the card, tenfold”.
Elsewhere, a Group 7 game between Goodman’s old footy club Albion Park and rivals Jamberoo could be seriously short of numbers this Sunday – with several players from both sides opting to fly interstate and cheer the boxer after a bid to push the game a day early was knocked back by officials.
Watch undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu put his title on the line against Mexican warrior Carlos Ocampo LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo Sports. No kayo subscription needed. Sunday 18 June 6PM AEST. ORDER NOW >
Tszyu’s war cry ignites Aussies | 03:03
While Tim Tszyu is a $1.07 TAB favourite for his championship headliner against Mexico’s Carlos Ocampo ($8), Goodman has been given underdog status in a fight where he is actually ranked higher than his Las Vegas rival.
Despite being undefeated in all of his 14 fights, and one spot higher in the IBF rankings than Aleem, the Aussie opened so wide he was even a $2.35 with his own sponsor, Palmerbet.
And guess how many punters have loaded up?
“For once they’ve actually given us some odds,” Goodman laughed this week. “So if you want to win some cash, yeah, you know where to put your money.”
Officials from both the TAB and Palmerbet confirmed some of their biggest punters would be cheering Goodman this Sunday, with one suggesting “all money is coming for the Aussie”.
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In preparation for Sunday’s showdown on the Tszyu card, Goodman has spent the past month throwing down with Issac Dogboe — the former WBO world champion who was flown in specifically for sparring.
Asked about American rival Aleem, who is also undefeated in 20 appearances, Goodman said he was fighter whose style boasted “crazy s …”
“He’s a big unorthodox so it’s about adapting to that,” Goodman explained.
“That’s what high level fighting is about.
“Who adapts fastest to what their opponent brings.
“He can do a bit of everything so it’s all about how quickly I can adapt to all the crazy s … he brings out.
“I also see a lot of opportunities to capitalise on what he does.
“So it’s all about adapting as quick as I can and starting to dominate.”
Goodman also revealed his footy mates had tried to get their Group 7 rescheduled to Saturday, but a lack of referees meant it couldn’t happen.
“So both teams will be missing a few players,” he grinned.
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Elsewhere, Goodman also revealed he may again be walking to the ring wearing a $300,000 necklace, as he did before his most recent win over TJ Doheny.
The jewellery is a loaner from one of his sponsors Opal Cartel, who last time out also had the fighter wear the piece around for three days prior.
Which made him feel like what?
“Heading to the hock shop,” Goodman laughs.
Asked about the betting on Saturday morning, TAB spokesman Rohan Welsh confirmed all money was coming for the Aussie, with several punters getting in early on Goodman “despite the hype around Aleem and his record”.
He added that several substantial bets were expected again today for the popular puncher who “hasn’t always been good for TAB”.
A Palmerbet spokesman, meanwhile, also confirmed Goodman had firmed from $2.35 to $2.15, with a win for the hometown fighter set to be their “worst result, tenfold”.
“Sammy Goodman is a knockabout guy with a strong following,” the official said. “And obviously they’ve got on while some of our biggest boxing punters have stepped into him as well.”
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Should Goodman win against the odds, he will then be guaranteed a title shot against IBF champ Marlon Tapales – potentially in his hometown of Wollongong.
“I’ve been asked what I would prefer by No Limit,” he said.
“We’ve had some little chats.
“But while it would be huge to bring a world title fight to Wollongong — and then win it there — there’s plenty of work to be done first.
“So I’m only focused on winning this fight, that’s it.
“If I do win then there are big things on the horizon, but I’m not getting my head in the clouds or worrying about what’s next.
“I’ve got a job to do and I’m going to go do it.
“He’s a quality opponent who has beaten quality guys.
“But I also think I’ve also got more than enough to beat him.
“He’s a quality opponent who has beat some quality guys.
“I’m a higher caliber of fighter than anyone he has faced.”
Watch undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu put his title on the line against Mexican warrior Carlos Ocampo LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo Sports. No kayo subscription needed. Sunday 18 June 6PM AEST. ORDER NOW >
‘Try to get it over and done with early! | 03:31