WHEN 16-year-old Albion Park boxer Sam Goodman steps into the ring on March 7, although facing a tough task against one of Australia's top boxing talents, Jahmarley Dawson, he will have no fear.
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Despite his youth, Goodman has built up an impressive record in his 39 fights, boasting a 32-7 win-loss record.
"In amateur boxing some guys just go out to protect their record, but Sam is the opposite, taking fights that will make him a better boxer and if you lose, well that's OK as long as you take something out of the fight," his father Steve said.
The current NSW and Golden Gloves champion, and former Australian champion will headline a star-studded line-up at the Albion Park-Oak Flats Rugby League Clubhouse on Saturday, March 7, on a card that will host up to 15 bouts.
The event will highlight the cream of NSW PCYC talent.
There will also be three bouts featuring home-grown Eagles talent in players Brock Skelly, Corey Bryant-Smith and a man who will undoubtedly be a crowd favourite, veteran Shane Buckman.
Tickets for the show at Centenary Field are $25 or $60 for a family, with the show kicking off at 6.30pm.
Goodman started boxing at the age of 10 and had his first fight at 11.
He was forced to compete interstate due to NSW boxing regulations, but is now proving himself as one of the sport's rising stars.
He won his first Australian title in 2012 and has missed out in the semi-finals over the past two years, but as a member of the NSW PSSA boxing squad, is certainly taking giant steps.
After starting his boxing career under Lou Valesine at Lake Illawarra PCYC, he now trains with Sean Fitzpatrick at Sutherland PCYC and PCYC Academy coach Joel Keegan, having already clocked up countless miles along the way.
In the past year he has represented the academy squad in England and China and will be off to America and New Zealand this year, as well as making many interstate visits.
He is focused on the Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa in September.
However, first he wants to win his second Australian title and qualify for the Boxing Australia squad to tour England prior to the Youth Games.
"Every overseas trip is a learning experience," Steve Goodman said.
"When he was in England last year he had the opportunity to spar five rounds with IBF lightweight world champion Paul Butler.
"It was great experience and Butler's camp complimented him on his performance."
