Australian super-bantamweight Sam Goodman has the chance to emulate the great Jeff Fenech after securing a world-title fight with a stirring upset victory over American Ra'eese "The Beast" Aleem.
In the bravest and best performance of his flourishing career, Goodman scored a split decision win over the previously unbeaten Aleem at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
Goodman improved his record to 15 from 15, seven by knockout, after rallying to win the closing rounds of a bruising content on Sunday.
"It ain't Sam Goodman, call me Mr F***ing mandatory," the jubilant Wollongong whiz said after getting two of the three judges' nod.
"I'm just pumped right now. Words can't explain what me and the team have put into this.
"This is the start ... we're coming to Wollongong."
Aleem had been unbeaten in his 20 previous bouts but the 24-year-old Goodman buried the beast with a relentless counter-punching display.
"It was tough early. He was awkward, he hit me with about 30 headbutts," Goodman said.
"I knew early on I had to be smart and I backed my strength in the later rounds to come at him."
Now Goodman can follow in the footsteps of Fenech, who in 1986 beat Japan's Satoshi Shingaki to snare the IBF bantamweight belt, the first world title of his legendary career.
