The IBF has ordered an interim super-bantamweight title fight between Australia’s Sam Goodman and Japan’s Ryosuke Nishida. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for undisputed world champion Naoya Inoue, clarifying the path to a shot at the division’s king.
The order creates a clear contender for one of Inoue’s four world titles. It also forces a change of plans for Goodman, who was previously scheduled to face Ramon Cardenas for a WBC interim belt. The new IBF mandate takes precedence, establishing a direct line to face Inoue. The sanctioning body has given the fighters’ teams 30 days to negotiate terms before the bout is sent to a purse bid.
No Limit Boxing, Goodman’s promoter, confirmed the development. “WORLD TITLE FIGHT MANDATED 🥊 Australia’s Sam Goodman (22-1) has been ordered by the IBF to face Japan’s No. 1 contender Ryosuke Nishida (11-1) for the IBF Interim Super Bantamweight World Title. The winner earns a shot at the undisputed king, Naoya Inoue 👑”. This official announcement solidifies the high stakes involved for both fighters, who are now one victory away from the biggest fight in the division.
This development adds another name to the growing list of potential opponents for Inoue. The undisputed champion is reportedly targeting a major fight with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in early 2027. Before then, a defense in late 2026 against John Riel Casimero has been discussed, while Carl Jammes Martin remains the WBO’s mandatory challenger. The winner of Goodman-Nishida will now have a legitimate claim to face Inoue, though the champion’s own plans remain the deciding factor.
The location for the interim title fight is not yet set. Goodman’s promoters may try to add the bout to the Tim Tszyu vs. Errol Spence Jr. undercard in Australia. Alternatively, Goodman could travel to Japan to face Nishida on his home turf. Despite the guaranteed mandatory position, there is no certainty the winner will fight Inoue next. The champion has made it clear he wants the Rodriguez fight before considering a move up in weight, leaving the new IBF mandatory challenger in a powerful but uncertain position.
