Aussie shocks as Goodman reveals injury and Danso springs the upset

BOXING moves fast and it’s hard to keep up with all the comings and goings. Here’s a wrap-up of some of the fight announcements, signings and other bits and pieces that might’ve passed you by.

Bad luck for Goodman after defeating Thai on points

SAM Goodman risked a potential future payoff against Naoya Inoue by taking on Thachtana Lunagphon (aka Chainoi Worawut) in Wollongong last week. Goodman, 25, won a dominant unanimous decision with scores of 119-109, 117-113, and 117-111 to stay on track.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – JULY 10: Sam Goodman punches Chanoi Worawut during their Super Bantamweight World Title Eliminator bout at Wollongong Entertainment Centre on July 10, 2024 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

However, things did not all go according to plan, as Goodman later revealed that he had hurt his left hand early in the fight. Insisting he is still pushing for an end-of-year date with the ‘Monster’, Goodman might have some competition in the form of TJ Doheny whose name has also been mentioned as a potential future Inoue opponent.

KO for Katsuma in Pro Box main event

LA-based Japanese southpaw Katsuma Akitsugi got a rare stoppage (only the second of his career) when opponent Jesus Ramirez Rubio was halted in the ninth round of their Pro Box TV headliner. Exciting Nicklaus Flaz also recorded a stoppage as Alfredo Escarcega was finished in round four.

Unbeaten Najee Lopez hit the deck but did enough to beat Steven Sumpter over eight rounds at light-heavyweight. There was no joy for travelling Englishman Tyler Goodjohn, who was floored multiple times and stopped in the second round by Weljon Mindoro at middleweight.

Danso shocks Walters in Australia, writes Eric Armit

Emmanuel Danso pulled off an unexpected away win as he stopped Alex Walters in the fifth. Walters had more skills than Danso. He was much faster and got through Danso’s guard with jabs, both shooting from the hip and straight. 

Danso was not quick enough to counter and Walters was well in control. In the fifth, Walters dodged a right from Danso and scored with two hard rights of his own. As he moved in to press his attack again, he was met by a devastating short right that dropped him on his back. 

He made it to his feet but stumbled and the referee stopped the fight. Ghanaian “Kwhau Tyson” Danso was 0-2 in Australia, with both losses early stoppages, but his 29 wins by KO/TKO indicated he could be dangerous. New Zealand-born Walters had won his last 7 fights, but both losses have come inside the distance.

Quick flurries

• Now a free agent, Shakur Stevenson is lining up suitors and met with Golden Boy Promotions. The main fight to make would be Shakur vs. William Zepeda. Oscar De La Hoya says no dice unless Shakur signs a longer-term deal with him.
• Shakur previously chastised promoter Bob Arum for not making a fight between him and Vasyl Lomachenko. Bob is finalising a deal with the PBC for Loma to fight Gervonta Davis in Las Vegas at the end of 2024.
• While Golden Boy tussle for Shakur’s signature (Floyd Mayweather has also expressed an interest), one man who will remain with them for the future is Vergil Ortiz Jr, who signed a contract extension.
• Matchroom has announced the signing of Eduardo Hernandez on a multi-fight promotional deal. ‘Rocky’ is often in exciting fights. See his bouts with O’Shaquie Foster and Daniel Lugo for evidence.

Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez vs. Daniel Lugo