Goossen Signs to Fight Former Champ Duran
P.J. Goossen of North Hollywood, former state champion and International Boxing Organization junior-middleweight champion, will fight legendary boxer Roberto Duran in a 10-round super-middleweight bout Nov. 15 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Goossen, 27, who suffered his first loss in July after 18 consecutive victories, has been guaranteed at least $10,000 for the fight, said Pat Goossen, his father and trainer.
Duran, 46, who in June scored his 100th professional victory against 13 losses, will earn at least $100,000, according to Mike Acri, Duran’s promoter.
“I’m very happy and ready to go,” Goossen said. “You can’t take anything for granted with [Duran]. It’ll be a test. But I need a test to bring out the best in me.”
Goossen lost a 10-round split-decision to Eddie Hall at Moline, Ill., when he was bothered by back spasms.
Duran, ranked sixth by the World Boxing Assn. and World Boxing Council, has won titles in four different weight divisions.
The fight is on the undercard of a 12-round main event between Corrie Sanders and Ross Puritty for the vacant World Boxing Union heavyweight title.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
