SAM Goodman expects Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue to ignore the WBA’s mandatory defence demands and instead stick to the same fight schedule US promoter Bob Arum first laid out to Fox Sports Australia in May.

The undefeated Australian has also hit back at US reporters suggesting he has no interest in facing Inoue, for whom he is also a mandatory thanks to his No. 1 IBF and WBO ranking, saying: “I couldn’t give two f***s what they’re saying”.

Undefeated in six years and 18 consecutive appearances, Goodman is set to roll the dice on a guaranteed $1 million payday when he faces undefeated Thai star Chainoi ‘Rock Man’ Worawut in Wollongong next Wednesday night.

Should the 25-year-old Albion Park product win, he then expects to face Inoue in December – although the undisputed super bantamweight king must first himself get through a proposed September headliner, most likely against Irishman TJ Doheny.

Only recently, WBA officials ordered Inoue to defend next up against Uzbekistan’s Murodjon ‘MJ’ Akhmadaliev (12-1).

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However Goodman says he thinks the Japanese star will stick to the same plan outlined by US promoter Bob Arum way back in May, when visiting Down Under for the world title blockbuster between Australia’s George Kambosos and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Arum told Fox Sports Australia Goodman “will be fighting Inoue this year”, but hinted Doheny – who the now Central Coast-based fighter has already beat – would likely get first crack after scoring three straight KOs in Japan.

“And if it is Doheny, I think Inoue most definitely wins,” Goodman said from inside his Wollongong camp this week.

“I don’t see a way for TJ (to win).

“There isn’t one department where I see it for TJ.

“I know he’s had some good wins since I put him down but I really can’t see it being anything but an easy touch for Inoue.”

And if it were Akhmadaliev?

“Look, from everything I’ve been sent, it seems like it will be TJ,” he shrugged.

“But MJ would be a much tougher ask.

“Although whatever they want to do, that’s up to them.

“I’m just focusing on my own fight.

“A few years ago, I spent a lot more time reading articles and watching boxing interviews.

“But not anymore.

“While I still watch the fights, I’m not paying attention to all the little stories.

“I’m too busy in the gym getting better.”

Elsewhere, Goodman also laughed off suggestions from out of the US that he has no interest in fighting Inoue for all four belts, despite his mandatory status.

Speaking on his popular podcast recently, respected US boxing writer Dan Rafael said of the Australian: “Why is he scheduling a fight when he’s supposed to be up next for Inoue later in the year?

“Why would you risk that position for just a regular old fight in Australia?

“Not even against a big name?

“I guess, the way it seems to me – and no-one’s articulated this – but it seems clear by the actions that Goodman is just not going to go for the mandatory.”

That statement reflects the thoughts of several analysts internationally, however Goodman remains unfazed by the speculation.

“I’ve heard American reporters have been going on but I couldn’t give two f***s about what they’re saying,” he said.

“I know myself, when I’ve been to America for training camps, you walk into the gym over there as some unknown, white kid and you’re written off immediately.

“But then you go prove yourself.

“So good on ‘em.

“Everyone has an opinion and they’re entitled to that.

“I’m not too fussed about who is or isn’t paying attention to me.

“My team has decided this is the best path for me, so I’ve got a job to do Wednesday and then after that the plan is to fight in December against whichever guy holds all the belts.

“And I assume that will be Inoue.”

Goodman also said he cared little about who Inoue fights between now and December, and suggested it would be the same for the Japanese megastar who many are claiming the world’s pound-for-pound No.1.

“I don’t think Inoue’s a guy that thinks too far ahead,” he said.

“Because when you do that, you can slip up.

“They’re a smart team and, while his promoters might be thinking ahead, I don’t think Inoue will be.

“I know I’m definitely not.”

And as for his thoughts on Rock Man, the man he is risking that guaranteed $1M payday against next Wednesday?

“I win this fight like I win most others,” Goodman said. “I dominate, put on pressure, and break him.

“We’ll test his will and see how tough he really is.

“Yes, he’s got some moves, some good tricks – neat little counters, nice offensive actions — and can punch a bit.

“But I’m ready to go.

“This is likely the last time I’ll be in Wollongong for a while so I’m going out there to enjoy it.”