The boxing world turned its attention to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on August 16, 2025, as fans eagerly awaited the clash between Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman 2025. Billed as one of the year’s biggest featherweight showdowns, this fight brought together two undefeated contenders with very different styles and stakes.
On one side stood Nick “Wrecking Ball” Ball, the ferocious British pressure fighter and reigning WBA featherweight champion. On the other was Sam Goodman, Australia’s slick technician who had fought his way back from injury to earn his shot at glory.
But this wasn’t just a single fight it was part of a stacked boxing card that included heavyweight names, rising prospects, and a co-main featuring Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte. For boxing fans across the globe, this event wasn’t just about titles, but about the drama, pride, and future of the sport.
This article will walk you through the full fight card results, detailed schedule, fighter profiles, pre-fight build-up, analysis, and what comes next. Whether you missed the action or just want an in-depth breakdown, you’ll find everything here in one place.
Event Overview: Date, Venue & Broadcast
The Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman 2025 fight took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, inside the ANB Arena, a venue that has quickly become one of the premier stages for global boxing.
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Location: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Main Event Ringwalk (Approx): 8:15 PM UTC | 4:15 PM ET | 1:15 PM PT
- Broadcast: DAZN PPV worldwide
This event was part of Saudi Arabia’s continued push to bring blockbuster boxing nights to the region, following the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk’s appearances in Riyadh.
Full Fight Card & Results
The full fight card was stacked with both rising stars and established names. While Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman was the centerpiece for featherweight fans, the undercard featured heavyweight fireworks, title eliminators, and prospects in high-stakes bouts.
Main Card Highlights
- Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman – WBA Featherweight World Title
- Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte – Heavyweight Co-Main
- Ray Ford vs Abraham Nova – WBA Super-Featherweight Eliminator
- Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye – Heavyweight Battle
- Hayato Tsutsumi vs Qais Ashfaq – Featherweight Contest
(The results section can be updated fight-by-fight once all outcomes are officially confirmed.)
Nick Ball Fighter Profile
Record: 22–0–1 (13 KOs)
Age: 28 (Born February 28, 1997)
Nationality: British
Height: 5’2” (157 cm)
Reach: 65 inches (165 cm)
KO Ratio: 59%
Nick Ball has earned his reputation as one of the most relentless fighters in the featherweight division. Known for his non-stop pressure, iron chin, and ability to break opponents down, Ball embodies the nickname “Wrecking Ball.”
He captured the WBA featherweight title with a punishing performance and has defended it successfully against Rey Vargas, Isaac Dogboe, and TJ Doheny. His style has drawn comparisons to a young Mike Tyson, though in a lighter weight class always coming forward, cutting off the ring, and looking to overwhelm his rivals.
For Ball, this fight wasn’t just about another defense, it was about solidifying his status as the best featherweight in the world, and proving he could handle Goodman’s technical finesse.
Sam Goodman Fighter Profile
Record: 20–0 (8 KOs)
Age: 26 (Born October 10, 1998)
Nationality: Australian
Height: 5’7” (170 cm)
Reach: 68 inches (173 cm)
KO Ratio: 40%
Sam Goodman entered the fight as the undefeated challenger, known for his slick boxing, sharp footwork, and disciplined defense. Unlike Ball, Goodman isn’t a knockout artist—but his ring IQ, timing, and counterpunching make him dangerous for any opponent.
He rose through the Australian domestic scene before taking on international opponents, with notable wins over Ra’eese Aleem and TJ Doheny. Goodman was sidelined for months with a hand injury, but his comeback was carefully managed leading him to this world title opportunity.
For Goodman, the fight represented redemption and a chance to prove Australian boxing’s growing global presence. A win would have made him a household name overnight.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Nick Ball | Sam Goodman |
| Age | 28 | 26 |
| Record | 22–0–1 (13 KOs) | 20–0 (8 KOs) |
| Height | 5’2” (157 cm) | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Reach | 65 in (165 cm) | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Style | Pressure Fighter | Technical Boxer |
| KO Ratio | 59% | 40% |
This matchup was as much about styles as it was about records. Ball’s short, explosive frame thrives on pressure, while Goodman’s longer reach and movement allow him to control distance.
Build-Up & Pre-Fight Hype
The pre-fight build-up had plenty of tension.
- Nick Ball promised to “drag Goodman into a war,” insisting that the Australian wouldn’t be able to handle his pressure for 12 rounds.
- Sam Goodman countered that Ball was “one-dimensional” and predicted that his superior boxing IQ would expose flaws in the champion’s approach.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn hyped the fight as a “Fight of the Year contender,” noting that Ball’s Tyson-like aggression against Goodman’s slick boxing was a recipe for fireworks.
Both fighters entered camp in top shape, with Goodman sparring against taller pressure fighters to mimic Ball’s style, and Ball focusing on head movement and body shots to close the distance on taller opponents.
Styles Make Fights Analysis & Predictions
Boxing experts often say, “Styles make fights” and nowhere was that more true than here.
- Ball’s Path to Victory: Apply relentless pressure, cut off the ring, attack the body, and force Goodman to trade in the pocket.
- Goodman’s Path to Victory: Stay disciplined, use the jab to control distance, counter with speed, and avoid being trapped on the ropes.
The bookmakers favored Nick Ball (-500), while Goodman entered as the underdog (+350). Analysts pointed to Ball’s higher level of opposition and proven championship grit. However, Goodman’s unbeaten record and ability to frustrate aggressive opponents made him a dangerous wild card.
Impact on the Division
The winner of Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman 2025 had much more at stake than just a belt.
- If Ball retained his title, he positioned himself for unification bouts against other champions in the division, such as Luis Alberto Lopez (IBF) or Robeisy Ramirez (WBO).
- If Goodman pulled the upset, it would shake up the rankings and create new opportunities for Australian boxing on the world stage.
With both fighters undefeated heading in, the bout had the rare intrigue of “someone’s 0 has got to go.”
FAQs
When and where was Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman 2025?
The fight took place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What time did Nick Ball and Sam Goodman ringwalk?
The main event ringwalks began at approximately 8:15 PM UTC (1:15 PM PT / 4:15 PM ET).
What was at stake in Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman 2025?
The WBA Featherweight World Title was on the line, with both fighters entering undefeated.
How can I watch the fight replay?
The event was streamed live on DAZN PPV, and replays are available via DAZN’s on-demand service.
What’s next for the winner?
If Ball wins, a unification fight is likely. If Goodman wins, he becomes one of Australia’s biggest boxing stars and may defend at home.
Conclusion
The Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman 2025 fight lived up to its billing as one of the year’s must-watch clashes. With two undefeated fighters, a world title on the line, and a packed Riyadh undercard, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
No matter the result, this bout reinforced why boxing thrives on clashes of styles the ferocity of Ball’s pressure against the intelligence of Goodman’s technical game. It wasn’t just about who won the belt; it was about the direction of the featherweight division for years to come.
Stay tuned as we update the full fight results and breakdown what’s next for both warriors.
