What’s Next For Ball After Beating Goodman?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 1:17 AM ET

Nick Ball defeated Sam Goodman to remain the WBA Featherweight Champion, raising question marks over his next steps.

Ball’s win took his record to 22-0-1, which was his third consecutive win. Naturally, Ball could target a unification against Rafael Espinoza. Ball would be facing a much taller and longer fighter in Espinoza. Espinoza likes to fight on the inside, and is not afraid to brawl. The tactical battle would revolve around Ball’s ability to close the distance without getting picked off by Espinoza’s jab and power. Ball is 5’2″, while Espinoza is 6’1″.

Another alternative is Angelo Leo (IBF): Both Ball and Leo are known for their come-forward, high-volume pressure styles. The key battle would be which fighter has the better engine and can maintain a higher work rate. Ball would likely try to throw punches from different angles, and use his strong chin to walk his man down.

Equally, Stephen Fulton is an option. Fulton is defensively sound, a slick boxer with excellent footwork. Fulton is an expert at creating distance, landing quick counters, and making his opponents miss. For Ball to win, he would need to be patient, strategic, and set traps.

A fight with Naoya Inoue could also play out if the latter moves up from super bantamweight. While Inoue has expressed that he could move up, he is naturally smaller than Ball, who is a true featherweight. A win over an undisputed champion like Inoue would immediately skyrocket Ball’s career into global superstardom.

Post-Fight

“I’m still a world champ but it wasn’t the best performance of mine, the main thing is we got the job done. I got hit too much, most of it was on the gloves but I’ll have to watch it back. I want to keep fighting and improving, being in with the big names in other title fights is the main thing,” Ball stated

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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