In a fight that was closer than the final scores reflected, Nick Ball retained his WBA featherweight title in a very spirited and close fight with
Sam Goodman.
Diminutive WBA featherweight champion Nick “Wrecking” Ball took on the challenge of lanky Aussie challenger Sam Goodman in a battle of the undefeated.
The opening round saw both men having success, with Goodman employing his long jab and connecting on several occasions, while Ball works his way inside in his low crouch, attacking the body.
Ball appeared to be looking for answers in the second as he switched between orthodox and southpaw on a couple of occasions, all the while, Goodman appearing to control the action with his footwork and jab.
While doing excellent work in the third, Goodman’s, mouthpiece was sent flying from a Ball left.
Both warriors had success in the fourth going tit-for-tat with each other, delivering the most heated action in the first third of the fight.
Ball looked to take charge in the fifth, rocking Goodman a minute into the round forcing the challenger to clinch. Goodman came back nicely in the last minute, befuddling Ball with the jab and movement.
With so many rounds nip-and-tuck, the action was very difficult to score. Neither fighter ran away with the round on many occasions. It was really like splitting hairs trying to pick a victor round after round.
Very few expected Goodman to box with such poise and confidence against an established champion in Ball.
Ball appeared to take the tenth and eleventh behind a busier work rate.
The twelfth and final round saw both men leave it all in the ring, Ball suffering a cut on his right eyebrow in the process.
The final tallies were 117-111, 118-110 and 115-113. Rematch anyone?
