Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

Watching Nick Ball generate pressure from his 5-foot-2 frame and be every bit of a bulldozing force is a sight to behold at featherweight.

That driving pressure is something Sam Goodman will have to deal with tonight when he challenges the WBA featherweight world champion at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

In a battle of undefeated fighters, Ball (22-0, 13 KOs) responded to a March 2024 draw against Rey Vargas with three straight victories including a stirring stoppage of TJ Doheny this past March.

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The Australian Goodman (20-0, 8 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Cesar Vaca Espinoza in May, though Ball marks his stiffest step up in competition.

With the title on the line, DAZN News Mark Lelinwalla analyzes the Keys to Victory between the champion and challenger, breaking down each of their tactics.

Nick Ball’s Keys to Victory

Apply pressure by changing levels early

Watch Nick Ball work and you will notice how changing levels is part of his packaged pressure that he is able to conjure from his 5-foot-2 frame.

The champ is a ‘Wrecking Ball’ in how he gets low and attacks the body with the stab jab, only to pop up and blast opponents with a big right hand.

As he is changing levels, Ball is cutting the ring in half and forcing cramped quarters — stingy real estate that Sam Goodman is likely to experience.

Double up on the jab as a distraction

Another weapon that Ball utilizes effectively is doubling up on the jab.

While the first stick lands clean and crisp with power, Ball will sometimes throw the second left in sequence as a mere mirage.

This distraction punch allows him to unleash a more punishing right hand next.

He made Doheny feel this unpleasantry over sequences in their March fight and should use this tactic against Goodman as well.

Launch the clubbing overhand right hand

There are times when Goodman shows a lapse in his guard, lowering it to about chest level.

Ball must act on these cues while pressuring forward or on the back foot countering. Either way, it could be the champ’s green light to launch his clubbing overhand right.

The onus is on the Brit to time it and if he does land one of these shots flush, it could very well serve as the ‘Wrecking Ball’ that demolishes Goodman’s title chances into rubble.

Sam Goodman’s Keys to Victory

Assert the jab early

Sam Goodman steps into his jab with spring-like motion, using the stick to generate his own pressure in the pocket.

Against Nick Ball, Goodman should use this weapon not only as a means to push the champ on his back foot, but also as a vehicle to counter and stop the ‘Wrecking Ball’ from encroaching.

Forcing Ball to reset his brand of forward fighting could frustrate the champ into Goodman being in better position to swipe rounds.

Turn the volume up on Ball

From the jab and his peppery combinations that follow, Goodman must up the volume on Ball.

The challenger does not stand a chance if he does not let his hands go in demanding Ball’s respect.

An uptick of punch output could be the Australian’s saving grace from the pressuring flood waters that Ball hopes to dip him in.

Anticipate Ball’s counter right hand

As aforementioned, Goodman sometimes lowers his guard to a fault.

He does this against a savvy and creative Ball and it could be lights out for Goodman.

Therefore, ‘The Ghost’ must be consciously in the moment and aware of this flaw for he cannot afford to be caught cleanly with one of the champ’s unforgiving right hands.

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