The Real Winner: Sam Goodman’s ‘Picasso-like’ Masterclass Captured Turki Alalshikh’s Attention

Turki Alalshikh says he was impressed with the “fantastic” performance by Sam Goodman (20-1, 8 KOs) in a losing effort against WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) last Saturday night in their chief support fight at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Goodman’s ‘Picasso-like’ Boxing Masterclass

Sam Goodman put on a Picasso-like effort, throwing punches with perfect form and making adjustments that frustrated Ball. Interestingly, in the championship rounds, Goodman switched things up, abandoning the boxing he’d been doing, choosing to brawl with Ball from rounds 10 through 12.

Surprisingly, the Australian-born Goodman out-slugged Nick in those rounds. Who would have expected that? Ball was supposed to be the better puncher, but he beat him even in that area of his game.

The judges gave it to Ball by scores of 115-113, 118-110, and 117-111. I had it for Goodman by a 115-113 score. He got the better of Ball in seven of the rounds with his boxing and slugging ability.

The Real Winner in Riyadh

Ball was given the victory, but Goodman had taken him to school and was the real winner. I wasn’t the only one in awe of Goodman’s technical skills. After the fight, Turki said he wanted to “see more” of Goodman at future Riyadh Season events.

Goodman was selected from the 122-lb division to defend his 126-lb belt against Ball, and he put on a masterclass performance. He boxed Nick’s head off all night, showing skills that the 5’2″ British fighter had never seen before during his professional career.

Why Alalshikh Wants More Goodman

I thought Sam Goodman did fantastic in his fight with Nick Ball. He showed a lot of skill and the rounds were close. I would love to see more of him on future Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine cards.🥊🔥👍

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) August 16, 2025

“Good job, Goodman. He looked solid,” said Tim Bradley on his channel, reacting to Sam Goodman’s impressive performance against WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball last weekend in Riyadh.