IBF orders Nishida to face Goodman for interim super bantamweight title

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WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Sam Goodman punches Rodrigo Ruiz during the IBF Super Bantamweight World Title Eliminator bout between Sam Goodman and Rodrigo Ruiz at WIN Entertainment Centre on April 05, 2026 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images) | Getty Images Multiple outlets report that the IBF has ordered former bantamweight champion Ryosuke Nishida to meet Sam Goodman for their interim super bantamweight title, giving the pair the customary 30 days to negotiate. Nishida (11-1, 2 KO) enjoyed an extremely strong run at 118, racking up wins over the likes of Shohei Omori, Daigo Higa, and future titlist Christian Medina before toppling Emmanuel Rodriguez for the IBF belt in 2024. After a throwaway title defense against Anuchai Donsua, he jumped into a unification with Junto Nakatani, which saw him put in a spirited effort before succumbing to some nasty facial swelling. He last saw action in February, cruising past Bryan Mercado in his 122-pound debut. Goodman (22-1, 8 KO) had a shot at Naoya Inoue on the table in 2024, only to take a tune-up bout, get cut in training afterwards, then get cut a second time after salvaging the matchup. Soon after, he’d join the parade of super bantamweights called up by featherweight champ Nick Ball, admittedly doing better than most of the others en route to a competitive defeat. He’s coming off a decision over Rodrigo Ruiz in an April eliminator Some good matchmaking here, more than making up for Goodman’s fight with Ramon Cardenas falling through. We’ll let you know who gets control of the broadcast.

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The winner will be in line for a crack at Naoya Inoue if “The Monster” sticks around at 122