Ball vs Goodman Tonight: Ring-Walk Times and Everything You Need to Know

By Lewis Barnett 16 August, 2025 5 mins read 139 Views

God, I love a good title fight in Saudi Arabia.

Nick Ball's putting his WBA featherweight belt on the line tonight against Sam Goodman, and honestly? This co-main event might steal the show from the Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte headliner. The Liverpudlian's been on an absolute tear since claiming that title from Raymond Ford back in June 2024, and now he's facing an undefeated Aussie who's stepping up four pounds just to get a shot at him.

My mate Dave texted me earlier: "Ball's gonna smoke this guy." Maybe. But Goodman didn't go undefeated at 122lbs by accident.

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When the Hell Are They Actually Fighting?

Look, here's what you actually came here for - the ring-walks are scheduled for around 9:15pm BST, with the first bell expected at 9:30pm. But listen... those timings are about as reliable as my New Year's resolutions. If the undercard fights drag on (and they always do), you might be waiting until closer to 10pm.

The main card kicks off at 5:45pm BST, so settle in for a long night.

Pro tip from someone who's stayed up way too many nights for Saudi cards: have coffee ready.

DAZN Again (Obviously)

Yeah, it's on DAZN. Shocking, I know.

The whole card streams live in over 200 countries, which is pretty mental when you think about it. If you're not already subscribed, you're looking at £24.99 monthly for the flexible pass (cancel anytime) or £119.99 for the annual deal. That breaks down to about £10 per month if you're doing the math, which... honestly isn't terrible considering you get 185+ fights per year.

I've been a subscriber since 2019 and the content keeps getting better. Though their app still crashes at the worst possible moments.

Ball's Road Back to Riyadh

This is Ball's third title defense, and he's looked absolutely clinical in both previous ones. Beat Ronny Rios like he was sparring, then gave TJ Doheny a proper lesson in Liverpool (remember that weird kick incident? Still makes me laugh).

But here's the thing about Goodman - the guy's 19-0 for a reason. Sure, he's been campaigning at super bantamweight, but four pounds isn't exactly a massive jump. Plus, hungry fighters moving up in weight? They're dangerous as hell.

Ball knows this. His team knows this.

The Rest of Tonight's Chaos

Here's your full lineup from the ANB Arena:

Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte (Heavyweight main event)
Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman (WBA Featherweight title)
Ray Ford vs Abraham Nova (Super featherweight)
Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye (Heavyweight)
Hayato Tsutsumi vs Qais Ashfaq (Super featherweight)

That Hrgovic fight could be a sleeper hit, by the way. Guy hits like a truck.

My Completely Unqualified Prediction

Ball wins by late stoppage. Probably round 8 or 9.

Goodman's going to come out fast, try to rough Ball up early, maybe even nick a few rounds. But Ball's conditioning at featherweight is just different - he breaks people down systematically. By the middle rounds, that four-pound weight jump is going to start showing on Goodman.

Then again, I picked Whyte to beat Joshua back in 2015, so what do I know?

Either way, we're in for a proper scrap tonight. Just don't blame me if you're knackered at work tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proper stance when boxing?

Classic boxing stance is standing with the feet shoulder-widths apart, leading foot forward and rear foot at 45-degree angles. The weight of your body should be evenly distributed between your toes and knees. Keep your hands raised to shield your face. Tuck your elbows in to protect your torso.

What should a beginner boxer focus on?

As a beginner you should focus your attention on the correct technique and form. You should master basic punches and develop your defense. Also, you need to improve on your footwork. Start slowly, prioritize technique over power, and seek guidance from a knowledgeable coach.

How can I determine the size and type of glove that is right for me?

The size and type of boxing glove you need depend on your weight, the level of protection required, and the activity you're engaging in (e.g., heavy bag work, sparring, or competition). Gloves can be measured in ounces. Many beginners start off with lighter gloves, such as 12oz. or 14oz. for training. As they progress into sparring, heavier gloves are used.

What are the most common mistakes that beginners make when they first start boxing?

Overextending the punches is a common mistake. Other mistakes include dropping the hands, not recognizing defense, holding your breath, ignoring footwork and focusing on power instead of technique. A qualified coach can help you identify and correct these errors early on to prevent them from becoming habits.

Is boxing good for getting fit?

Yes, boxing is an excellent way to improve overall fitness. It provides a high-intensity, full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance, coordination, and agility. Moreover, it is an effective form of stress relief and can boost your confidence and discipline.

How important does recovery play in boxing practice?

In boxing, recovery is crucial as it helps your body heal and become stronger. Rest, stretching, sleep, hydration and a healthy diet are all important for a quick recovery. Ignoring your recovery can lead you to overtraining injuries and decreased performance.

Statistics

Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.

External Links

How To

How to Stand Correctly In a Boxing Stance

Starting with the proper stance, you can build a solid foundation for boxing. Standing with your feet shoulder width apart and your non-dominant leg forward, place your feet shoulder width apart. Spread your weight equally and angle your foot back at 45°. You can protect your chin by bending your knees, keeping your elbows close, and holding your gloves high. To remain agile, keep your feet flat on the ground. Your body needs to be relaxed and ready for quick movements.