In a gripping encounter at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA Featherweight title against Sam Goodman, marking another milestone in his impressive career. The Liverpudlian boxer, known for his relentless pressure and tactical versatility, secured a unanimous decision with the judges scoring it 118-110, 117-111, and 115-113.

The Fight Breakdown

Ball, standing at 5ft 2in, initially struggled to find his range against the taller Goodman, who effectively used his jab to keep Ball at bay. However, as the rounds progressed, Ball adapted by switching stances and levels, landing a significant straight right in the fifth round that shifted the momentum in his favor.

Key Moments

• Round 7: Ball delivered a stinging one-two combination that visibly shook Goodman and electrified the crowd.
• Final Round: Despite suffering a cut near his right eye, Ball showcased his grit by engaging in a fierce exchange right until the final bell, ensuring a dramatic end to the bout.

Post-Fight Reflections

Post-fight, Ball expressed mixed feelings about his performance, stating, "It was good - it wasn't the best performance but we got the job done." He also emphasized the importance of entertaining the audience, a hallmark of his fighting style.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Ball's record now stands at 23 wins and one draw. He is eyeing potential unification bouts against other featherweight champions, including Stephen Fulton (WBC), Angelo Leo (IBF), and Rafael Espinoza (WBO). Additionally, Ball has expressed ambitions to face Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super-bantamweight champion from Japan, in what could be a career-defining match.

Co-Main Event Recap

Earlier in the evening, Filip Hrgovic defeated British heavyweight David Adeleye via unanimous decision, further cementing his status in the heavyweight division. Hrgovic overcame a cut above his right eye to dominate the later rounds, showcasing his resilience and power.

This event not only highlighted the skill and determination of the fighters but also underscored Riyadh's growing prominence as a premier destination for international boxing events.