'Last six months have been wild': Aussie boxer Sam Goodman tears up in wake of emotional comeback victory
Sam Goodman has put himself right back in the mix for a world title shot, producing a clinical unanimous decision victory over Cesar Vaca.
The tough Albion Park product, who had his dreams of a clash against Naoya Inoue snatched away after suffering a cut in camp, laid waste to the Mexican fighter in front of a rowdy crowd at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night.
The judges scored it 99-92, 99-91, 100-90 in favour of the local.
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Sam Goodman in action against Cesar Vaca. No Limit Boxing
Goodman was split open in two separate spots late in the fight, with the second coming after a head clash and leaving the Aussie with a nasty cut above his eye.
The 26-year-old remains at the top of the rankings at super-bantamweight and the win over Vaca should see him stay at the front of the line for a bout against Inoue.
Goodman (20-0) admitted it had been a tough road back after the devastation of the past six months, but remains determined to get back to the top of the mountain.
"I tried to get through it without any cuts, but that's not my style this year," Goodman said on the Main Event broadcast.
"F--k it was a beauty of a headbutt that got me. It was just about managing the fight and listening to my corner and winning the fight.
"This is about getting back here and getting back on the road to world titles."
When asked about what his family, friends and "The Mad Bunch" support group meant to him, Goodman became visibly emotional.
Sam Goodman speaks after his win against Cesar Vaca. Main Event
"The last six months of my life have been wild and I wouldn't have got through it without you guys," he said.
"A lot of work and a lot of support. It was tough, but I've got all them behind me."
In the co-main event, Harry Garside completed a successful return to the pro boxing scene after three years away, earning a stoppage win over Charlie Bell.
Earlier on the card, Stevan Ivic outlasted Toese Vousiutu in a fight for the ages to retain the Australian heavyweight title.
