Sam Goodman ruled out of world title fight with Japan's Naoya Inoue for second time

Australia's Sam Goodman has been ruled out of his world title with Japanese beast Naoya Inoue, after he reopened the initial cut that ruled him out of the first clash at the end of 2023.

Goodman's promoters No Limit released a statement on Saturday, revealing the Aussie fighter will no longer take part in the world title fight against the undefeated and heavily rated Inoue.

"No Limit Boxing regrets to announce that Sam Goodman has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Naoya Inoue on January 24 due to a recurrence of his eye injury," the statement read.

READ MORE: Kyrgios' claim after Djokovic 'poisoned' in Melbourne

READ MORE: Why the Test dream has ended for two Aussie stars

READ MORE: Fenech tells Tszyu to dump trainer to revive career

"We wish Sam a full and speedy recovery and will provide updates on the event in due course."

Goodman's Christmas Eve match up against Inoue in Tokyo was postponed after the Aussie boxer suffered a cut over his left eye in training.

The injury occurred on the final sparring session before he was due to fly out the next day.

In order for the injury to heal, Goodman had not sparred since and was undergoing another form of training when the old cut opened up again.

It' understood the new cut is worse than the initial tear.

Reports claim the fighter will now have to undergo plastic surgery to make sure the problem does not resurface.