After losing to fellow Australian heavyweight Justis Huni in June last year, Joe Goodall was left wondering where the next opportunity would come from.
Fast forward to today and the 31-year-old could very well be one fight away from a “dream” date against WBC heavyweight champion and global superstar Tyson Fury.
BOXING: Watch Joe Goodall take on Efe Ajagba on Sunday November 5 from 10:30am AEDT LIVE on Kayo Sports or Channel 503 | Join now and start streaming instantly
On five weeks’ notice, Goodall takes on Efe Ajagba for the WBC silver heavyweight title in the main event on Sunday in Lake Tahoe, California.
It is a bout that has been almost 10 years in the making.
The Aussie got the better of Ajagba in the super heavyweight semi-finals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and have previously sparred.
In the years that have passed, Ajagba has amassed an impressive 18-1 professional record with 13 KOs and is ranked No. 7 in the WBC’s heavyweight rankings, while Goodall boasts 10 wins, one loss and a draw with nine KOs.
One of those finishes came in his last fight when Goodall, a major underdog going into the bout, dropped and stopped Stephan Shaw for the first time in his career.
Something will have to give when these old foes square off on Sunday in a bout Goodall feels has “a little bit” of destiny about it.
“I think it’s a bit of a long-term rivalry,” Goodall said.
“He’s trying to get me back from beating him in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and I’m trying to prove nearly 10 years on I’m still the better fighter.
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“It’s no secret he is a good fighter. I believe I am one of the top fighters too.”
Given it is the biggest fight of his career to date, Goodall has left no stone unturned in his preparation for Sunday’s main event.
In fact, he even enlisted the help of an old foe and a man many consider to be Australia’s pound-for-pound champion to ensure he was ready to battle Ajagba.
“Since the Shaw fight, I didn’t stay out of the gym,” Goodall said.
“I was sparring Jai Opetaia, I was sparring Justis Huni. I was keeping fit in the gym and that enabled me to take up this opportunity.
“I don’t like to talk about sparring in general too much, but me, Jai and Justis have a great relationship.
“We’re all working together for the same goal, to be a world champion. It’s been great seeing them have success overseas.
“It breeds confidence in us all, that we know we’re top level and we’re sharpening each other’s sword.
“It gives me inspiration as well to see another Aussie do well. Why wouldn’t I want to see another Australian boxer do well?
“It’s not ego, it’s we-go.”
It is that collective mindset among the Aussie trio which Goodall will channel once he steps between the ropes on Sunday.
He stopped short of making a prediction, but vowed to be the man with his hand raised when it’s all said and done in what would be a third-straight win.
And if that comes to fruition, expect Goodall’s name to join the likes of boxing superstars Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr in the WBC’s top 10 heavyweights.
Not only that, but he could soon find himself squaring off against WBC heavyweight champ Fury.
Although a win wouldn’t make Goodall the mandatory challenger to ‘The Gypsy King’, it undeniably puts him into the conversation for a world title bout.
It also seems there’s never a better time than now to take on Fury given his lacklustre display against Francis Ngannou where he squeaked out a split decision victory despite being knocked down by the debutant.
Goodall was left “super shocked” by Fury’s display, but remains fully aware about the dangers that ‘The Gypsy King’ presents.
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At this minute, a title bout against Fury remains wishful thinking for Goodall, but that could all change on Sunday.
“It’s no secret, you want to win a world title in this sport,” Goodall said.
“You want to challenge yourself against the best and be the best you can be. Fury is the best of this era.
“To see how you match up against one of the best to ever do it would be a dream come true to have that opportunity and be in that position.
“But I’m not looking past Ajagba at all. Even though I’ve beaten him before, he’s a top-level opponent and he’s been around the game a long time.
“When you’re experienced as he is, he’ll have a few tricks up his sleeve on Sunday. So I have to stay focused and keep my eye on the prize.”
BOXING: Watch Joe Goodall take on Efe Ajagba on Sunday November 5 from 10:30am AEDT LIVE on Kayo Sports or Channel 503 | Join now and start streaming instantly