LAS VEGAS – June 14, 2023 – Undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem declared his upcoming showdown against unbeaten Australian Sam Goodman “a chess match, but a brutal one,” as he prepares to step into the ring in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator that serves as the co-main event live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu returning to the ring and defend his Interim WBO 154-pound title against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo.
The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.
Here was what Aleem had to say about training camp prior to arriving in Australia last Thursday, and more:
On his matchup with Sam Goodman:
“I believe my fight with Goodman is going to be a war. He does a lot of nice things in the ring, but so do I. It’s a matchup of unique styles. He likes to fight off the back foot and I like to do multiple things. I’ll be throwing hard punches as always looking for the knockout. It’s going to be a chess match, but a brutal one.”
On his recent training camp:
“I kept my weight in check, so I feel strong going into this fight. I feel everything came together during this camp and I’m ready to go.”
On fighting outside of the U.S. for the first time:
“Deep down inside I’m excited to be fighting Goodman in his Australia, where he calls home. I’m a proud American and I’ll do anything to bring pride to our country. Although it’s just a boxing match, we’ll be going toe-to-toe, and I’ll be representing the great United States of America.”
On what a win will do for his career:
“Winning this fight will catapult me to a world title shot. Not only am I fighting someone in his own country, but it’s a title elimination bout to see who’s next to fight for the title. Everything changes for me if I win this fight, so you best believe I’m coming with everything I got. I’m leaving everything in the ring against Goodman.”
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