Australian boxing sensation Sam “The Ghost” Goodman has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters in the super bantamweight division.
With an undefeated professional record and a scheduled world title fight against pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue, Goodman represents the next generation of Australian boxing talent.
His journey from a young rugby player who switched to boxing after an injury to becoming a world title contender is nothing short of remarkable.
Sam Goodman’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sam Goodman |
| Nickname | “The Ghost” |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Education | Albion Park High School, New South Wales |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5’6½” (169 cm) |
| Weight | 122 lbs (Super Bantamweight) |
| Reach | 66½” (169 cm) |
| Turned Professional | April 13, 2018 |
| Net Worth | $2.5 million |
| Career Earnings | $5+ million |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Sam Goodman’s boxing journey began unexpectedly when he was just 10 years old. Originally drawn to rugby like his father Steve, a former rugby player, Goodman’s path changed dramatically after he injured his arm while playing rugby league.
His father encouraged him to try boxing as an alternative sport, leading Sam to join the local PCYC Sutherland Club. Initially, the transition wasn’t smooth – Goodman openly admitted to crying after every loss in his early amateur days.
However, his persistence paid off quickly. By age 12, Goodman had won his first national title and began fighting every week in amateur competitions. He participated in over 100 amateur fights, developing the skills that would later make him a professional success.
His early boxing heroes included Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr., though he later became more inspired by technical masters like Vasiliy Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk.
The young fighter’s dedication was evident as he traveled thousands of miles from his home in New South Wales to train with coach Joel Keegan on the Central Coast.
His amateur career peaked in 2017 when he won the World Championships and claimed victory at the Oceanian Championships. Goodman also captured the Australian National Championships at the “Schoolboy” level in 2012, won bronze at the 2016 Youth National Championships, and claimed the AIBA 2016 world championships.
Despite having aspirations to represent Australia in the 2020 Summer Olympics, he decided to turn professional in 2018, preferring the “proper battles” that longer professional fights offered.
Professional Career
Goodman turned professional on April 13, 2018, making an immediate impact by defeating Dylan Atkins via first-round TKO in his debut fight. Since then, he has maintained an undefeated record that currently stands at 20-0 with 8 knockouts.
His professional career has been characterized by steady progression against increasingly difficult opponents, establishing himself as one of the world’s premier super bantamweight contenders.
The breakthrough year for Goodman came in 2023 when he defeated several high-profile opponents. His victory over TJ Doheny, a former IBF world champion, demonstrated his ability to compete at the elite level.
The defining moment of his career came when he defeated previously undefeated Ra’eese Aleem by split decision in an IBF title eliminator at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. This victory positioned him as the mandatory challenger for world titles and earned him recognition as a legitimate threat to the division’s elite.
Goodman continued building his resume with victories over Zhong Liu, Miguel Flores, Mark Schleibs, and Chainoi Worawut. His most recent fight in May 2025 saw him defeat Cesar Vaca by unanimous decision in Sydney, improving his record to 20-0.
Goodman has been promoted by No Limit Promotions in association with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), the same team that handles Australian stars Tim and Nikita Tszyu. His ultimate goal remains capturing undisputed world titles and establishing himself as one of Australia’s greatest boxers.
Sam Goodman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Sam Goodman’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Purse | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nort Beauchamp | $10,000 | 2021 |
| Richie Mepranum | $25,000 | 2021 |
| Fumiya Fuse | $30,000 | 2022 |
| Juan Miguel Elorde | $75,000 | 2022 |
| Jason Cooper | $100,000 | 2022 |
| TJ Doheny | $150,000 | 2023 |
| Ra’eese Aleem | $100,000 | 2023 |
| Miguel Flores | $100,000 | 2023 |
| Zhong Liu | $75,000 | 2023 |
| Mark Schleibs | $100,000 | 2024 |
| Chainoi Worawut | $75,000 | 2024 |
| Cesar Vaca | $200,000 | 2025 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2018-2020 | $50,000 |
| 2021 | $150,000 |
| 2022 | $300,000 |
| 2023 | $800,000 |
| 2024 | $500,000 |
| 2025 | $200,000+ |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Professional Record | 20-0-0 |
| Total Wins | 20 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 8 |
| Knockout Percentage | 40% |
| Total Losses | 0 |
| Total Draws | 0 |
| Rounds Boxed | 147 |
| Average Fight Length | 7.4 rounds |
| Professional Debut | April 13, 2018 |
| Years Active | 2018-Present |
| Current Rankings | IBF #1, WBO #2, The Ring #4, WBC #3 |
| Titles Held | WBO Oriental, IBF Inter-Continental |
| Weight Class | Super Bantamweight (122 lbs) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
FAQs
1. What is Sam Goodman’s biggest career achievement so far?
His most significant achievement was defeating previously undefeated Ra’eese Aleem by split decision in an IBF title eliminator bout. This victory established him as the mandatory challenger for world titles and proved he could compete with elite-level opposition on the international stage.
2. How did Sam Goodman get the nickname “The Ghost”?
While the exact origin isn’t detailed in sources, Goodman earned the nickname “The Ghost” likely due to his elusive fighting style and ability to avoid punishment while effectively countering opponents. His technical boxing skills and movement in the ring make him difficult for opponents to pin down.
3. What happened with Sam Goodman’s scheduled fights against Naoya Inoue?
Goodman was twice scheduled to fight undisputed champion Naoya Inoue – first on December 24, 2024, and then January 24, 2025. Both fights were postponed because Goodman suffered cuts above his left eye during training that required medical attention and surgery to heal properly.
4. How much money did Sam Goodman make from his most recent fight?
Goodman earned $200,000 for his unanimous decision victory over Cesar Vaca in May 2025 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. This represented his highest single-fight purse to date and helped him maintain his undefeated record while staying active.
5. What makes Sam Goodman different from other Australian boxers?
Goodman’s combination of technical skill, undefeated record, and ranking as a mandatory challenger in multiple sanctioning bodies sets him apart. His amateur background, including world championship.
