Ball vs Goodman Predictions: The unlucky Australian has designs on wrecking Ball

WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball takes on Sam Goodman at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this Saturday, August, 16. The bout takes place on DAZN PPV as part of the Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte event. 

Here are my Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman predictions ahead of an exciting world title clash.

Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman Odds

Ball is your 1/5 favourite for the victory. The WBA champion has an implied chance of 83.3% for a victory. Goodman is a 4/1 underdog while the draw is marketed at 14/1.

Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman Fight Preview

‘eSports World Cup’ they are calling it, presumably because some nerds are going to play Fortnite between the bouts or something. Imagine how electric those old Rocky Marciano fight films would be looking back if some little toerags jumped in the ring to play marbles before his bloodbaths with Jersey Joe Walcott and Ezzard Charles. Goosebumps.

But in amongst the thumb-twiddling, there will be some boxing. Very good boxing in fact. Ball is a whirling dervish in the ring, short, stocky and relentless. The nickname of ‘Wrecking’ Ball writes itself, but the Liverpool man fights like it’s his mantra. Like the titular implement of decimation, he swings in and out looking to do the most damage possible.

Goodman is a quality operator from Australia, but he will bring more than his customary hand-speed and acumen to the ring. The 26-year-old will also step through the ropes harbouring a great deal of frustration. Goodman was supposed to engage in the biggest fight of his life back in winter.

A persistent cut nixed December and January dates with Naoya Inoue, the pound-for-pound king and undisputed super bantamweight champion. ‘Kaibutsu’ crushed Kim Ye-joon instead, while Goodman was not seen in the ring again until May. A dominant points win over Cesar Vaca was impressive, but hardly the glamour night that Inoue would have provided.

Goodman finally gets his world title shot, moving up to featherweight to face the WBA kingpin from Great Britain. The Aussie can at least be sated by the fact he is in an easier fight. That is no attack on Ball, who belongs at this level. But Inoue is a generational talent who has helped define the last decade of this sport. Compared to that, any current champion is a step-down.

The styles should mesh well here. Goodman uses clever footwork and fast hands to keep his opponents at bay. He gets into the pocket, unloads his shots and then gets out again. Far from a runner, he does all of this at punching range. Goodman is light on power, with just eight stoppages on his 20-0 ledger. But he is skilled at judging distance and putting his punches together.

Ball is a pressure fighter down to his bones. High guard, stalking his foe and looking to rough them up on the inside. His biggest failing is that his swings can be too wild, which can make for a lot of missed punches. But Ball’s relentless pressure and innate ability to make his opponent work for every minute of every round has been key to his success.

Ball and Goodman have a common opponent in TJ Doheny, a boxer who has accomplished something both men are targeting. The Ireland-born Aussie is a former world champion and also took on Inoue, losing in seven rounds last September.

Ball took out TJ in 10 rounds of a WBA title defence in March, with Doheny’s corner pulling their man out. Goodman outpointed Doheny in 2023 in an all-Australia clash. Both men might bristle at the fact that Doheny, with his 26-6 record, has been given more opportunities than either of them.

But one cannot change his past, only his future. For the winner, that future could include the money fight with a certain ‘Monster’. But in the immediate aftermath, someone will leave Riyadh with the WBA championship.  An enticing prize that should bring the best out of a classic styles match-up. The boxer vs the brawler. Expect fireworks.

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Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman Prediction

This is a tough one to call, despite Ball being a clear favourite in the markets. The truth is if Goodman bowls a perfect game he beats the Brit. 

You could argue that is the case in every fight, but I disagree. Sometimes a fighter can do everything right and lose. But stylistically, if Goodman can maintain his sharpness, movement and speed for 12 rounds then he will walk out with the belt.

But Goodman winning is not my prediction. Ball’s magic comes from the fact he does not stop stalking, swarming and throwing bombs throughout. His engine is excellent and he works for the full 12 rounds every time. ‘Wrecking’ Ball is something of a throwback. A fighter whose iron will trumps even the most delectable of skills. 

I like Ball on points here at 9/4. The champion is short-priced for a knockout, but I don’t expect him to pin Goodman down for one. Ball is a volume puncher not a one-shot KO machine. He will land enough to beat Goodman, but expect the Aussie to remain standing at the final bell.

You can find all our latest boxing betting tips and analysis at our Betfred Insights Boxing page and our latest boxing odds here.