Ra’eese Aleem (20-1, 12 KOs), currently ranked #5 by the WBO, is itching for a redo on American soil with his rival, Sam Goodman (17-0, 7 KOs). This burning desire stems from their nail-biting clash back in June 2023. Aleem, fueled by a blend of grit and vengeance, is hell-bent on flipping the script of their last tussle, eager to flaunt his enhanced pugilistic skills.
Aleem tossed a verbal jab: “I’m hearing Goodman’s sniffing around the States, looking for a big-name scrap, and here I am, all set for a do-over,” he said. “I duked it out in his backyard, now it’s only square he steps into mine. That split decision loss still stings, and I’m due for a rematch.”
Brushing off the sting of defeat, Aleem’s eyes are not just fixed on Goodman. He’s open to throwing down with other top dogs if Goodman chickens out. Stephen Fulton (21-1, 8 KOs), TJ Doheny (25-4, 19 KOs), and Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9 KOs) are also on his hit list. Topping one of these heavy-hitters would stamp his authority in the division, inching him closer to his dream.
But Aleem’s hunger stretches beyond these clashes. He’s gunning for the top spot, currently occupied by the undisputed champ, Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs). Climbing the ladder fight by fight, Aleem’s eyes gleam with the ambition to snatch those coveted titles.
“I’ve soaked up lessons from each fight, ready to tackle whatever – or whoever – comes next. Goodman’s at the top of my list, sure, but I’m game for Fulton, Doheny, Akhmadaliev, or any other roadblock to my title dreams. My endgame? Snatching that super bantamweight crown from Inoue,” Aleem asserted confidently.
Greg Hannley, Aleem’s manager, chimed in with a confident prediction. “Aleem’s just one knockout away from a showdown with Inoue,” he stated. “Nabbing a victory over a top-contender will catapult him right where he needs to be. Ra’eese is grinding away, primed and ready for his moment in the spotlight.”