Boxing Insiders Predict Nick Ball Vs. Sam Goodman – ‘TKO In The Late Rounds’

Nick Ball puts his WBA Featherweight Title on the line against Sam Goodman on August 16, as boxing insiders gave their picks. 

The fight is a clash of styles, putting Ball’s relentless, pressure-fighting aggression against Goodman’s slick, technical boxing. Ball, with a record of 20-1 with 12 KOs, is coming into this fight with momentum. His title-winning performance against Raymond Ford on June 1, 2024, was a hard-fought split decision that showcased his toughness. Since then, he has successfully defended his belt twice with stoppages against Ronny Rios and TJ Doheny.

Goodman, with a perfect 20-0 record and 8 KOs, will prove a tough test. While Ball has been fighting at featherweight, Goodman has spent much of his career at super bantamweight. His style is built on technical precision, crisp combinations, and lateral movement, a stark contrast to Ball’s come-forward approach. Goodman has secured credible victories over Mark Schleibs and Cesar Vaca Espinoza, but this is his biggest test. Here is how boxing insiders saw the fight playing out.

Predictions

“Nick Ball TKO Sam Goodman in the late rounds. I know one featherweight, he can’t beat,” (Bruce Carrington, Featherweight Contender)

“I think Nick Ball will be too strong and too busy for Goodman, who is only just coming up from junior featherweight. Ball’s strength will make the difference. I am ready and waiting for when he is ready to face a fully fledged featherweight. Ball by TKO,” (Nathaniel Collins, Featherweight Contender)

“This should be an all-out toe-to-toe slugfest. Both fighters love trading shots at close range, so it’ll be interesting to see if one decides to switch it up and create some distance. Goodman is effective with his body work — if he can stay inside and break Ball down early, he’s got a real shot at the win. That said, Ball’s wild overhand rights and looping left hooks could catch Goodman midway through the fight and lead to a stoppage. I see Ball’s power making the difference here,” (Wayne McCullough, Former World Champion/Trainer)

More Predictions

“Cracking match of styles, Ball the more stocky, thick set and stronger in my opinion against the taller, longer and a very good technician in Goodman. I think Goodman will box around Ball to win the early rounds. By mid-to-late, I think Ball’s strength will come into play and force Goodman into holding his feet and this will be the winning factor for Ball. Ball late stoppage,” (Mark Tibbs, Trainer)

“This is going to be a great fight. To be able to stop a boxer as aggressive as Nick Ball you have to be able to hurt him and despite the advantage that Sam Goodman has on the technical level, he has not shown that he has such power. I expect a tough fight for both boxers, but I think Ball will win. I see a unanimous decision but still close for Nick Ball,” (Marc Ramsay, Trainer)