Can Sam Goodman shock Nick Ball and win the Featherweight Title?

  • What: WBA Featherweight Title
  • When: August 16, 2025
  • Who: Nick Ball vs. Sam Goodman
  • Time:  12:00 p.m. EST
  • Where: ANB Arena, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

On Saturday, August 16, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nick Ball and Sam Goodman will put their undefeated records on the line. They face off on a stacked fight card. Ball will defend his WBA 126-pound title.

This matchup has all the makings of the fight of the night. Ball (22-0-1, 13 KOs) is widely regarded as one of the most consistently entertaining fighters in the lower weight classes.

He is known for his relentless pressure. Goodman (20-0, 8 KOs) is a skilled boxer with impressive technical abilities. He steps up from 122 pounds for this title opportunity.

As the natural featherweight, Ball is expected to use his size and trademark non-stop aggression. He will try to overwhelm Goodman. Goodman will look to outbox and frustrate the champion with his movement and technique.

It’s a true clash of styles. Both men have clear paths to victory. Goodman’s slick boxing could give him early success. Ball’s power and relentless attack may eventually prove too much.

The stakes are high. The winner could earn a massive fight against Naoya Inoue. The loser—despite suffering their first career defeat—faces a tough road back.

The heavyweight bouts, including Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte and Filip Hrgovic vs. David Adeleye, will headline the card. Ball vs. Goodman could very well steal the show as the most exciting and competitive fight of the night.

Before we examine the odds, find everything you need to know to bet on boxing online and check out the best 2025 Boxing Betting Sites.

Nick Ball vs. Sam Goodman

Ball has just three more fights than Goodman but brings far more world-level experience. The defending champion enters his fourth world title fight, having competed twice in Riyadh before.

In contrast, Goodman makes his world title debut and first appearance outside Australia.

WinnerBetOnline Sportsbook ReviewBetUS Sportsbook ReviewBovada Sportsbook Review
Sam Goodman+391+375+350
Nick Ball-600-550-550

With this in mind, Goodman must keep off the ropes, use lateral movement and footwork, and pick his spots to unsettle the aggressive champion. He should avoid trading with the naturally stronger Brit and stick to his own style.

Just four years ago, with fewer than ten pro fights, Goodman won the domestic featherweight title against Nort Beauchamp. That win propelled him to the top of Australia’s boxing scene, though his recognition stayed mostly local.

Nick BallTO WIN 2025 WBA Featherweight Title
★★★★★
-550
Bet now

Fast-forward to the present, and Goodman has become a recognized name in the wider boxing world—though perhaps unfairly, still known as the fighter who twice missed out on a bout with Inoue.

Nevertheless, there’s a renewed fire driving the Albion Park native. Even before his win over Vaca, Goodman was already strategizing for a potential third shot at his dream matchup.

Goodman now faces a new challenge, returning to his old weight class, which should make cutting weight less taxing. Though he hasn’t competed at featherweight in some time, he built his reputation and demonstrated grit at this level.

He’ll need all his toughness against Ball, who has beaten top contenders to establish himself at featherweight, also eyeing Inoue. For Goodman, this is more than a world title shot—it’s a high-stakes duel against his Merseyside rival, where only the quickest will win.

A win would cement Goodman as one of Australia’s top boxers and restore his global profile. After two missed chances, critics emerged. Victory in Saudi Arabia would be a decisive response, signaling Goodman’s return to the sport’s elite.

I would pass on Goodman to pull off the upset and side with Ball in this one.

Sam GoodmanTO WIN 2025 WBA Featherweight Title
★★★★★
+375
Bet now

Total Rounds

The total rounds prop is 10.5. The over is -110 at BetOnline and the under is -120. Ball’s two WBA Featherweight title defenses ended in the 10th round, but his previous four fights went the full 12 rounds.

RoundsBetOnline Sportsbook ReviewBetUS Sportsbook ReviewBovada Sportsbook Review
Over 10.5-110-115-120
Under 10.5-120-115-110

Ball’s last five fights occurred over 1 year, 8 months, and 29 days—about one every 4 months and 7 days. In that span, he fought 56 rounds, averaging 11.2 per fight.

Goodman’s last five fights spanned 1 year, 10 months, and 1 day, averaging one every 4 months and 14 days. He fought 50 rounds, averaging 10 per fight.

This one feels like it’s going to go the distance, so I’d wager on Over 10.5 rounds for this one at -110 odds.

Over 10.5 RoundsNick Ball vs. Sam Goodman Fight
★★★★★
-110
Bet now

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Tony Reyes

Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. When he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends, Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accou...

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