Undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem declared his upcoming showdown against unbeaten Australian Sam Goodman “a chess match, but a brutal one,” as he prepares to step into the ring in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator that serves as the co-main event live on Showtime on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The Showtime international telecast begins at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu returning to the ring against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“I believe my fight with Goodman is going to be a war,” said Aleem (20-0, 12 knockouts). “He does a lot of nice things in the ring, but so do I. It’s a matchup of unique styles. He likes to fight off the back foot and I like to do multiple things. I’ll be throwing hard punches as always looking for the knockout. It’s going to be a chess match, but a brutal one.”

Ra’eese Aleem – Photo by MJS Entertainment

Aleem also spoke about his training camp.

“I kept my weight in check, so I feel strong going into this fight. I feel everything came together during this camp and I’m ready to go,” said the Michigan native, who will be fighting outside the US for the first time. “Deep down inside I’m excited to be fighting Goodman in his Australia, where he calls home. I’m a proud American and I’ll do anything to bring pride to our country. Although it’s just a boxing match, we’ll be going toe-to-toe, and I’ll be representing the great United States of America.”

Aleem expects that a win over the also unbeaten Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) will kickstart a new chapter in his career.

“Winning this fight will catapult me to a world title shot. Not only am I fighting someone in his own country, but it’s a title elimination bout to see who’s next to fight for the title. Everything changes for me if I win this fight, so you best believe I’m coming with everything I got. I’m leaving everything in the ring against Goodman.”

A press release by Showtime was used in this article.