Sam Goodman Set for Title Fight Against Nick Ball
In an unexpected turn of events, Sam Goodman has been presented with a title fight against Nick Ball, a timely opportunity that follows a frustrating period in the Australian boxer’s career. Previously, the 26-year-old faced significant setbacks, including injuries that led to the cancellation of his highly anticipated bout against Naoya Inoue, the reigning super bantamweight champion. After a long break from the ring due to these issues, Goodman returned to the sport with a victory over Cesar Vaca on May 14, a win that reignited his aspirations of reclaiming action at the championship level.
Goodman’s Excitement and Reflections
Goodman, primarily a super bantamweight, expressed his excitement about the chance to face Ball, who holds the WBA featherweight title.
“It was quite a surprise to be offered a world title fight after everything that had happened,” Goodman remarked. “Moving up a weight class was something we anticipated eventually, but I didn’t expect it would come this soon. Losing my shot against Inoue left me uncertain about my future, so when I got the call, I knew I had to take it.”
The boxing showdown between Goodman and Ball is slated to headline a major DAZN pay-per-view event taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this Saturday. The night’s lineup includes a heavyweight match featuring rising star Moses Itauma against Dillian Whyte, yet the Goodman versus Ball clash stands out as the centerpiece for title implications.
Overcoming Setbacks
Coming into 2025, Goodman was geared up for a life-altering fight against Inoue, only to see it slip from his grasp multiple times due to injuries. Initially set for December 24 in Tokyo, the match faced postponements due to a cut Goodman sustained during training, disrupting his preparation. Fortunately, his recent win against Vaca has provided a much-needed boost, allowing Goodman to reclaim focus heading into this new challenge.
Reflecting on the past months, Goodman acknowledged the emotional and financial strain the canceled fight with Inoue had on him.
“It was tough. Not only was I missing a chance to fight, but I had financial commitments with the purchase of a new home that relied heavily on a paycheck from that title shot. I was in a precarious situation but kept my eyes on coming back stronger,”
he shared.
Aiming for Redemption
His dedication to boxing has been unwavering, as Goodman has spent nearly his entire professional career at super bantamweight, aside from a couple of fights in 2021. The call to fight Ball now represents not only a chance for redemption but also a shot at a title he’d been pursuing for years after achieving the mandatory contender status with the IBF.
Now positioned as an underdog going into this title fight—Ball enters as the favorite—Goodman is aware of the stakes. A victory could revive his dreams of facing Inoue in the future, should the champion prevail in his upcoming fight scheduled against Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Goodman recognizes the sheer significance of Saturday’s bout, remarking,
“Winning this title is what I’ve aimed for my whole life. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to come out on top. This fight means everything. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, and I am ready to seize this moment.”
