Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman – Tony Bellew expects fireworks as he makes prediction for world title clash

Nick Ball faces another stern test this weekend when he defends his WBA featherweight belt against Sam Goodman on a stacked show in Saudi Arabia. 

In recent years, Ball has proved himself to be one of boxing's must-see attractions following a series of performances that have made him world champion and placed him at the business end of the sport. 

After impressing in pulsating outings against Rey Vargas and Raymond Ford last year, Ball is hoping to make 2025 even better and a win over Goodman could set up bigger fights before the end of the year. 

With showdowns against Stephen Fulton and Angelo Leo certain to do big business, Ball is not short of potential rivals, but with Naoya Inoue also considering a jump up in weight, that could be the most lucrative option for the Liverpool man. 

First up for Ball though is Goodman and with the eyes of the world set to be on Riyadh this weekend as Moses Itauma headlines against Dillian Whyte, Ball will want to impress again. 

Tony Bellew, a former world champion and a big admirer of Ball, is confident that the current featherwieght ruler can emerge victorious against Goodman. 

“This could be the fight of the night and both men are talking up their chances,” said Bellew when speaking to FightLens. 

“Goodman has been eager for this opportunity and he will want to show that he is a world class fighter, and i expect him to give it a good go. 

“But Ball knows how to get the job done and he will walk through walls to keep that belt and set himself with a major fight moving forward by winning on points.”